1
as in discipline
the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others
it will take a great deal of restraint to keep from telling her how ugly that dress is
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice
civil libertarians contend that the new laws place too many restraints on our constitutionally guaranteed rights
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in temperance
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
he shows very little restraint or tact when expressing his opinions about others
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restraint
Media outlets that once extolled restraint, constitutional fidelity, and the rule of law now amplify conspiracies, attack judicial oversight, and vilify democratic processes.
—
Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Yet all those bravos only drown out a reality that might better be greeted — at least at the less-than-transcendent premiere showcases — with more measured restraint.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
That concerted restraint among the justices signaled the court’s strategic posture: settling process before principle, and possibly setting the stage for a future, higher-stakes showdown over who is entitled to U.S. citizenship by birth.
—David Catanese, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
The children were not wearing seat belts or safety restraints, according to the crash report.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Yet all those bravos only drown out a reality that might better be greeted — at least at the less-than-transcendent premiere showcases — with more measured restraint.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
That concerted restraint among the justices signaled the court’s strategic posture: settling process before principle, and possibly setting the stage for a future, higher-stakes showdown over who is entitled to U.S. citizenship by birth.
—David Catanese, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
The children were not wearing seat belts or safety restraints, according to the crash report.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
Noun
-
Such defensive discipline and intelligent street-smarts have meant that Inzaghi’s side have trailed for just 16 minutes across the whole Champions League campaign — just one per cent of their total time on the pitch.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
-
The combination of meditation and art gave me both discipline and expression.—
Shekar Natarajan,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
Complete access to Netflix without restrictions is considered Open.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
20 May 2025
-
Harvard, in its refusal to comport with new federal guidelines regarding DEI restrictions, has put $9 billion in federal funding at risk.—
Rep. Steve Weir,
Hartford Courant,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
This memoir is a record of a life spent prioritizing adventure over prudence, indulgence over temperance.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2025
-
He’s now deemed heroic in adhering to the Seven Virtues -- faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.—
Brian T. Allen,
National Review,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
For Black Americans, the history of repression of education runs even deeper.—
Karida L. Brown,
Essence,
21 May 2025
-
After 2012, when Putin returned to the presidency, the Kremlin began tightening its grip on Russia’s elites, embracing an archaic militarism, and widening its repression of civil society.—
ANDREI YAKOVLEV,
Foreign Affairs,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
But there’s only so much that educators and parents can achieve by working together if city and state leaders are not willing to face hard problems and revenue constraints.—
Milly Arciniegas,
Hartford Courant,
27 May 2025
-
There is no administrative independence, there are no limitations, there are no regulatory constraints in this government‘s view, only tools to be used as necessary.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
26 May 2025
Noun
-
But this time around, Alix didn’t even have time to let the nerves kick in.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
28 May 2025
-
However, Trump’s tariff pullbacks, pauses and negotiations with some trading partners may have calmed nerves for the time being.—
Matt Ott,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
Its inhibition was leveled at the thing, not the name.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Just in time for the full moon in Libra on April 12, Luna will illuminate your 12th house of secrets, inhibitions and unconscious patterns, urging you to let go of patterns that no longer serve you.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Confronted with the limitations of time and money in a difficult custom market for midsize superyachts, brands and designers are dreaming up semi-custom designs.—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
25 May 2025
-
Risks and limitations At high doses, the drug can cause adverse health issues that affect cardiovascular, respiratory and neurologic function, which can be fatal, said the American Addiction Centers website.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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