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
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Recent Examples of restrained
Jacob Sullum, Orange County Register, 24 Feb. 2025
Though the Franco-American relationship had cooled by then, Trump and Macron shook hands in a somewhat restrained manner.
2024: The Shake Seen Around The World
Last December, Trump, Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Paris ahead of the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 5 Jan. 2025
Three former deputies are indicted in connection with the death of a man restrained in a Virginia jail, authorities said.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Adjective
The commissioner’s restrained view of the FTC’s mission was inconsistent with Roosevelt’s policy agenda, which was the reason the president gave for dismissing him.
—Jacob Sullum, Orange County Register, 24 Feb. 2025
Though the Franco-American relationship had cooled by then, Trump and Macron shook hands in a somewhat restrained manner.
2024: The Shake Seen Around The World
Last December, Trump, Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Paris ahead of the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
He was eventually restrained by the patrons.
—Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 5 Jan. 2025
Three former deputies are indicted in connection with the death of a man restrained in a Virginia jail, authorities said.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrained
Adjective
-
However, the muted consumer and producer price reports for February might not necessarily be good news for the U.S. Federal Reserve.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Hadid’s makeup included softer elements, like faint brows and a muted lip to accentuate her look.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
After a five-day manhunt, Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania, found with a gun matching the one used in the shooting and a fake ID.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
-
With a new haircut, Mangione agreed to be extradited to New York from Pennsylvania on Thursday after he was arrested at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The Princess of Wales styled an Alexander McQueen coat in a subdued shade of green with Ralph Lauren over-the-knee boots.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Skewing your green selections toward a more earthy aesthetic will help set a more subdued tone that helps enhance your room’s overall design rather than trying to steal the show.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Currently, the disposal of wind turbine waste is regulated by the localities and states hosting wind turbine projects.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you.—
Amy Fischer MS, RD,
Health,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Before Hamas seized full control of Gaza in 2007, Christians would often place a large Christmas tree near a major square in Gaza City.—
Aaron Boxerman,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Adebayo did not force his offense, in a game where there was little for the Heat to have to counter in the middle, but then seized control with his scoring late.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The Atlanta Braves had a quiet winter that has been followed by a busy spring training.—
John Perrotto,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Dinner at Bavel, watching Liverpool play, quiet reading.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Jabbar's truck contained an ISIS flag.—
Joey Garrison,
USA TODAY,
3 Jan. 2025
-
Many of the posts contained hateful messages about Muslim Americans, the same type of bigotry O'Reilly had fought against.—
Niraj Warikoo,
Detroit Free Press,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Multiple officers grabbed Kerley and attempted to take him to the ground.—
Zach Powell,
The Athletic,
4 Jan. 2025
-
On their way out the door, Kinch grabbed the pistol and placed it in the console of his truck.—
Joshua Kaplan,
ProPublica,
4 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrained. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.
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