restrained

adjective

re·​strained ri-ˈstrānd 

: marked by restraint : not excessive or extravagant

restrainedly

ri-ˈstrā-nəd-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

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

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

Climate scientists have long been vexed by the disconnect between the dire warnings blared by their models and the restrained policies enacted by world leaders. —Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025

There is nothing restrained about the family room, with brick walls that feature a bright splash of chartreuse (Benjamin Moore’s Wasabi, AF-430). —Jeanne Lyons Davis, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025

But with this new one, the country thing — the sound of the fiddle and the twang in the voice — is kind of restrained and folded into a broader musical vision. —Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025

Black children constitute about 15% of students, but 42% of those who are mechanically restrained using a device or equipment. —Fred Clasen-Kelly, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025

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