restrained

1 of 2

adjective

re·​strained ri-ˈstrānd 

: marked by restraint : not excessive or extravagant

restrainedly

ri-ˈstrā-nəd-lē 

adverb

restrained

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of restrain

Synonyms of restrained

Adjective

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

Examples of restrained in a Sentence

Adjective

She was admired for her restrained behavior.

a restrained style of architecture

The room was decorated with restrained colors.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The push comes as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces criticism at home for a restrained response, trying to balance Japan’s alliance with Washington and its commitment to international justice. — Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

The family spent three years completely renovating the space, partnering with Milan’s Palomba e Serafini to create a restrained, contemporary space with bold features including a chic spiral staircase connecting the entrance to the mezzanine. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026

If necessary, however, the American president would cope with the more restrained Eisenkot and his more basic English. — Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026

For much of the following century, food photography functioned as a sort of ethnographic art, a form of restrained realism preoccupied with light and shadow, shape and symbolism. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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