restrained

adjective

re·​strained ri-ˈstrānd How to pronounce restrained (audio)
: marked by restraint : not excessive or extravagant
restrainedly adverb

Examples of restrained in a Sentence

She was admired for her restrained behavior. a restrained style of architecture The room was decorated with restrained colors.
Recent Examples on the Web Israel’s restraint on Saturday allowed Iran to dismiss it as ineffective, possibly setting the stage for a restrained response or no response at all. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2024 This is an authorized telling, written with the participation of its subject, who contributes comments with restrained candor and wry, arch wit. David Hajdu, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2024 The contrast between Blethyn’s Cynthia, all twitching nerves, emotionally raw and vulnerable, and the calm, restrained, often bemused performance of Jean-Baptiste as Hortense forms the emotional core of the film. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Oct. 2024 The general shape was there from the beginning, though the older car has a more restrained look. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for restrained 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'restrained.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of restrained was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near restrained

Cite this Entry

“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restrained. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

restrained

adjective
re·​strained ri-ˈstrānd How to pronounce restrained (audio)
: marked by restraint : showing careful control
restrainedly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on restrained

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