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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the after-hours, the black faille number styled with a silky lime-green tank top was at once restrained and opulent, just great for a night out. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025 In practice, despite his rhetoric, Israel’s longest serving prime minister’s security policy was widely seen as cautious and relatively restrained, even derided as cowardly by political rivals, who also mocked his inability to make decisive moves. Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025 Wickelgren is warm, but restrained and deliberate. Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 26 Sep. 2025 Miu Miu leaned into tradition, rendering argyle in a restrained palette that nodded to its country club roots. Minty Mellon, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for restrained

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

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Cite this Entry

“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restrained. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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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