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
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of restrained
H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026
There are no flashy logos or overpowering buckles, giving the bag a restrained quality that lets the unique shape be the star.
—Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
Matthew Kelly
june 9, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2026
Until the start of 2025, Saylor shrewdly restrained Strategy’s leverage by relying on his high-flying stock to amass Bitcoin.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Adjective
The overall feel is sleek, tactile, and somewhat restrained, letting heavily swung beats germinate to resolve tension.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026
There are no flashy logos or overpowering buckles, giving the bag a restrained quality that lets the unique shape be the star.
—Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
Verb
Kuhlman, 36, also represented Sedgwick County in the civil rights lawsuit brought by the brother of 17-year-old Cedric Lofton, who was fatally restrained in a Wichita juvenile detention facility in 2021.
—Matthew Kelly
june 9, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2026
Until the start of 2025, Saylor shrewdly restrained Strategy’s leverage by relying on his high-flying stock to amass Bitcoin.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrained
Adjective
-
Here are a few takeaways from the sentencing hearing, including Heuermann’s muted statement, the heartfelt and emotional speeches from victims’ families and the next steps on the road to justice.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
-
Pair it with pale blues and garden greens to double up on muted hues, or embrace the cinnamon hue and layer it with earth tones.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
New Zealand has controlled possession for 52% of the game, and both teams have completed more than 80% of their passes.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
-
Uruguay controlled most of the second half but didn't break through until Araújo fired a rebound past goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais from close range.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
That September, he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana following a vehicle crash in San Jose.—
Michael McGough,
Sacbee.com,
14 June 2026
-
Three weeks into his third season, Smith was involved in a single-car accident and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
All in all, Louis's hijinks were much more subdued than in previous years, however.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
13 June 2026
-
The Garden Room was also recently reimagined and now hosts Après Tea, a more elegant and subdued take on the post-ski tradition.—
Chadner Navarro,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Aircraft used for skydiving are regulated under Part 91 of FAA regulations, which also covers small general aviation aircraft flown by private pilots.—
Cindy Von Quednow,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
-
Another potential area of concern is that, because copper levels in the body are tightly regulated, excessive supplementation could theoretically contribute to toxicity or interfere with other minerals in susceptible individuals.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Aemond was named Prince Regent in the aftermath, and seized control of the Iron Throne while Aegon recovered.—
Tracy Brown,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
But in March, environmental authorities seized 550 head of cattle and issued 21 citations, according to documents reviewed by The Associated Press.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Only six minutes into this match, New Zealand has scored to take a 1-0 lead and temporarily quiet what had been a raucous crowd tilted toward the Iranian team.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
-
The end of mandatory minicamp ushers in the quietest time on the NFL calendar.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Data centers are contained in buildings stretching as far as a football field, housing thousands of continually running machines.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
18 June 2026
-
Crews quickly established hose lines on the roof and contained the blaze to a portion of the solar panels atop the structure, achieving knockdown in 48 minutes with no injuries reported, the Fire Department said at the time.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrained. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
