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

Drewchin operates in this more restrained mode throughout the record, peeling back the layers of her dizzying art pop. — Colin Joyce, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026

Expectations for Langford should still be in the restrained, cautiously optimistic category. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

The famous curtains remain too, but in a more restrained way. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026

The story contrasts past, more restrained immigration enforcement with today’s shootings, urging that Salgado Araujo be remembered as a modern-day martyr of the American dream and immigrants’ increasingly precarious lives. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 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