restrained

adjective

re·​strained ri-ˈstrānd 

: marked by restraint : not excessive or extravagant

restrainedly

ri-ˈstrā-nəd-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of restrained

• muted
• subdued
• quiet
• repressed
• understated
• conservative

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

America’s 250th birthday has felt more restrained, brand-wise. — Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026

The officers and Martin struggle briefly and then he is physically restrained face down. — Hannah Fingerhut, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

The officers and Martin struggle briefly and then he is physically restrained face down. — ABC News, 25 June 2026

The result was a strange, relatively restrained ceremony with an open question as to who might get to control future ceremonies. — Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for restrained

• appertained
• ascertained
• entertained
• overstrained
• preordained
• unconstrained
• unexplained
• unrestrained
• abstained
• arraigned
• attained
• bloodstained

Kids Definition

restrained

adjective

re·​strained ri-ˈstrānd 

: marked by restraint : showing careful control

restrainedly

-ˈstrā-nəd-lē 

adverb