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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Here’s what to know about California’s safety restraint rules:
Who has to wear a seat belt under California law?
—
Kendrick Marshall, Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2025
The kitchen, meanwhile, is a master class in restraint.
—Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 29 Jan. 2025
The Delhi High Court in a separate adjudication urged restraint from media in reporting details of the submissions made by the parties involved in this case.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Jan. 2025
Creating music that reflects visuals has taught Mogwai that a little restraint goes a long way when tugging at heartstrings.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for restraint 
Kendrick Marshall, Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2025
The kitchen, meanwhile, is a master class in restraint.
—Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 29 Jan. 2025
The Delhi High Court in a separate adjudication urged restraint from media in reporting details of the submissions made by the parties involved in this case.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Jan. 2025
Creating music that reflects visuals has taught Mogwai that a little restraint goes a long way when tugging at heartstrings.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
Noun
-
If not, consider how incorporating the discipline of stillness into your life could be of benefit to you.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
-
State complaints, discipline and Brazilian butt lift injury or death present nothing new for New Life Plastic Surgery, 8400 SW Eighth St., which lists Morales among its surgeons.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Syrian refugees have experienced this backlash in the form of state repression, denial of legal residency and refugee status, and severe restrictions on rights and access to basic humanitarian services.—
Jesse Marks,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Feb. 2025
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The bloc’s landmark AI law, which recently became enforceable for the first time, imposes tough restrictions and threatens hefty fines for breaches.—
Ryan Browne,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Where temperance crusaders once wielded biblical rhetoric, today’s public health researchers arrive with cancer studies and statistics.—
Jackie Snow,
Quartz,
13 Jan. 2025
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The country's past cultural battles, over immigration, slavery, evolution, temperance, McCarthyism, and civil rights, were arguably more serious than any of today's.—
Joseph S. Nye Jr.,
Foreign Affairs,
1 Nov. 2010
Noun
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Even though the film is set in the period of the 40’s and 50’s and is about a celebrated Hungarian architect coming to America for a new life and new opportunities after repression in his own country, Brody is proud that the Brady Corbet film has relevance for what is happening now.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
14 Feb. 2025
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Previous reports from the United Nations had warned that those actions were systematically implemented by Maduro’s repression apparatus.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The Padres, facing payroll constraints, are considering trading away key players to address their remaining needs for starting pitching and greater depth at multiple positions.—
Dennis Lin,
The Athletic,
8 Feb. 2025
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The core concern is that artificial general intelligence, or AGI—a system that surpasses humans in most regards—could potentially outmaneuver any constraints designed to control it, perhaps permanently disempowering humanity.—
Harry Booth / Paris,
TIME,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Lisa discussed her mix of nerves and excitement ahead of her acting debut in an October interview with Rolling Stone, along with her eagerness to pursue a new art form.—
Kalia Richardson,
Rolling Stone,
11 Feb. 2025
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Unfortunately, the antitoxin can’t correct existing nerve damage, and long-term effects could persist for months, Madan tells USA TODAY.—
Caroline C. Boyle,
USA TODAY,
9 Feb. 2025
Noun
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This could be a time to release these inhibitions and accept new journeys rather than being stuck in old patterns.—
Athena Sobhan,
People.com,
30 Jan. 2025
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Lammy shed his inhibitions—and found a national platform, in the media—while his future in the Party clouded over.—
Sam Knight,
The New Yorker,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Exceeding these limitations can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Missile Defense Scenario Orbital sensors have their own limitations.—
David Szondy,
New Atlas,
6 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near restraint
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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