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

Nicholas Anzalone and Anthony Farina, guards at Marcy Correctional Facility in New York who faced a murder charge before pleading guilty to a lesser charge of first-degree manslaughter, were sentenced to 22 years in prison for their role in the beating death of a restrained detainee. —Arkansas Online, 23 Nov. 2025

Interestingly, the internet seemed to favor Fallon’s comparatively restrained piece. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2025

Unlike the black pair, which covered every panel of the shoe’s upper in the shiny gems, the white option is a bit more restrained. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 22 Nov. 2025

Made for those who appreciate sculptural forms and restrained minimalism, each utensil balances a thick, linear handle with subtle curves at the bottom. —Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 19 Nov. 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