as in muted
not excessively showy
a restrained but elegant black purse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in controlled
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
the victim's family members were unable to restrain their emotions upon hearing the verdict
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrested
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
the suspect was restrained and taken to an undisclosed location
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of restrained
Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
But a recent Washington Post investigation revealed that staff have punched, kicked, restrained, fired pepper spray and tased people in their facilities nationwide.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2026
The Adam Lippes design replaced the cleaner line of the tuxedo with a wider skirt and a more formal portrait neckline, keeping the color restrained while giving the silhouette more volume.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Adjective
It was described by critics as psychologically uneasy and emotionally claustrophobic, with Keough serving as the restrained emotional center of the film.
—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
But a recent Washington Post investigation revealed that staff have punched, kicked, restrained, fired pepper spray and tased people in their facilities nationwide.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
Verb
In Edinburgh, Gleneagles Townhouse in the New Town is smaller and in some ways sharper than the Perthshire flagship — members’ club energy, correctly restrained.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2026
The Adam Lippes design replaced the cleaner line of the tuxedo with a wider skirt and a more formal portrait neckline, keeping the color restrained while giving the silhouette more volume.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrained
Adjective
-
Other makeup elements, provided by artist Alex Babsky, included bold brows and lined eyes with a muted rosy lip.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
28 May 2026
-
Being in place at moonrise is important because seeing a muted orange moon rising over a landscape is a far more special sight than a big, bright orb high up in a black sky.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
The Knicks controlled Game 4 from the opening tip, racing out to a double-digit lead and never allowing Cleveland back into contention.—
Alejandro Avila,
FOXNews.com,
26 May 2026
-
Securing critical infrastructure such as seaports, airports and major highways currently controlled by armed groups, including routes connected to the neighboring Dominican Republic, will be crucial.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
25 May 2026
Verb
-
No one in the NFL tweets about the players who commit violent crimes or are arrested for reckless driving incidents, either.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
24 May 2026
-
LaBeouf was first arrested after the alleged confrontation and was initially charged with two counts of simple battery.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
23 May 2026
Adjective
-
Instead of using bright colors, this look takes a subdued route with gold chrome as the accent color.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
23 May 2026
-
That was one of the more subdued negative responses, many of which focus around respecting the dead.—
Leslie Katz,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
Garver noted that the workload extended across the entire cast and crew, especially the younger actors whose schedules were carefully regulated.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
24 May 2026
-
Operating under a New York State license regulated by the Office of Cannabis Management, the Southampton dispensary positions itself as a sophisticated alternative to the stereotypical cannabis retail experience.—
Tanya Benedicto Klich,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
Liliana Escobar made sure the Lions seized it.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
During the search, police said investigators allegedly seized 30 grams worth of fentanyl pills, 12 grams of crack cocaine, several digital scales, a BB gun, and two 9mm rounds of ammunition.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
February 19 – March 20 Home becomes a source of quiet power and your space may tell you what your mind has been avoiding.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
26 May 2026
-
The stunned crowd at Nu Stadium got quiet, even as La Familia kept singing and jumping up and down.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
25 May 2026
Verb
-
The tank contained sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide and disodium carbonate, officials have said.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
-
Blaine and the others have discovered the Fountain of Youth, contained within the blood of an entity named Mother (Nancy Daly).—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrained. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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