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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restraint
Kore-eda has generated Spielberg comparisons before, given his facility with child actors, his affinity for dramas about broken families, and his ability to walk a tightrope between sentimentality and restraint.
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 May 2026
While the official autopsy ruled the death a homicide caused by police restraint, the medical examiner's report also noted that the amount of fentanyl in Floyd's system and his recent use of methamphetamine were contributing factors.
—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
Daughrity sees a shift from the relative restraint of previous decades to a more explicit embrace of religious identity.
—Jason Derose, NPR, 26 May 2026
Most of these are protected landscapes, and the tourism figures reflect that restraint.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 May 2026
While the official autopsy ruled the death a homicide caused by police restraint, the medical examiner's report also noted that the amount of fentanyl in Floyd's system and his recent use of methamphetamine were contributing factors.
—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
Daughrity sees a shift from the relative restraint of previous decades to a more explicit embrace of religious identity.
—Jason Derose, NPR, 26 May 2026
Most of these are protected landscapes, and the tourism figures reflect that restraint.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
Noun
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My professional experience spans multiple disciplines, including serving as a police officer, a business owner and a licensed therapist, which provides me with a well-rounded and versatile skill set.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
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The channels will carry soccer, cricket, kabaddi, badminton, wrestling and combat sports including boxing, among other disciplines.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
26 May 2026
Noun
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These are the only tight restrictions though—the vibe of the property is very go-with-the-flow.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 May 2026
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Following those restrictions, Huawei accelerated efforts to develop domestic alternatives for critical technologies.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
25 May 2026
Noun
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Moral judgments like these became part of the school curriculum in the late 19th century, as the temperance movement gained momentum toward its goal of total abstinence.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
3 May 2026
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The temperance, abolition, and civil-rights movements in America were all motivated in part by religious convictions.—
Luis Parrales,
The Atlantic,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The pic about decades of political repression in Iran won the L’Oeil d’or Prize today, which is the fest’s top award for docs.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
22 May 2026
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Simultaneously, the setting itself becomes a kind of haunting character, as a living ecosystem of repression and collective denial help propel Pennywise toward his depraved goal.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
19 May 2026
Noun
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The space constraint, though, is forcing Lorden to boil and bake the bagels in a commissary kitchen.—
Max Scheinblum,
Denver Post,
26 May 2026
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Instead of evaluating materials only for laboratory performance, the team included processing and scalability constraints from the beginning of the design process.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
26 May 2026
Noun
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The actor remembered feeling a rush of nerves and excitement waiting in the wings, peeking out to see who was in attendance.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
26 May 2026
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In moments of uncertainty, timely honesty from leaders can calm nerves, restore focus, and, most importantly in the long-term, build trust.—
Aytekin Tank,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Noun
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Amy Lawrence pointed out that, while Arsenal possess that type of player, there is a level of inhibition.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
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Alcohol relieves social inhibition.—
Jonathan Avery,
STAT,
11 May 2026
Noun
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The city’s Lake Austin overlay adds another layer of limitation, regulating how owners can build near the water, including the size, placement and expansion of homes, docks, bulkheads and other shoreline improvements within 1,000 feet of the lake.—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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The authors were careful to note the limitations of the current evidence.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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