restraint
noun
re·straint
ri-ˈstrānt 
1
a
: an act of restraining : the state of being restrained
b(1)
: a means of restraining : a restraining force or influence
(2)
: a device that restricts movement
a restraint for children riding in cars
2
: a control over the expression of one's emotions or thoughts
Examples of restraint in a Sentence
Make sure the child safety restraint is in place.
The prisoner was placed in restraints.
His angry response showed a lack of restraint.
The government has acted with restraint in dealing with this crisis.
Recent Examples on the Web
Volpe never pushes for emotional effect, showing restraint with her use of Oliver Coates’ melancholy, pensive score.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
This does not mean isolationism; Vance (and most of those in favor of foreign policy restraint) accept that America has security interests that warrant the use of military force.
—Frank Devito, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
The Forever Fleece Wide-leg Pants are the perfect addition to your travel wear, offering an extra roomy fit, plush fleece fabric, and unbeatable softness for all-day wear with no restraint.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
Ranjan was asked to co-lead AMD’s internal AI strategy alongside the company’s chief software officer, an effort that required equal parts experimentation and restraint.
—Peter High, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026
This does not mean isolationism; Vance (and most of those in favor of foreign policy restraint) accept that America has security interests that warrant the use of military force.
—Frank Devito, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
The Forever Fleece Wide-leg Pants are the perfect addition to your travel wear, offering an extra roomy fit, plush fleece fabric, and unbeatable softness for all-day wear with no restraint.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
Ranjan was asked to co-lead AMD’s internal AI strategy alongside the company’s chief software officer, an effort that required equal parts experimentation and restraint.
—Peter High, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restraint. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
restraint
noun
re·straint
ri-ˈstrānt
1
: the act of restraining : the state of being restrained
held in restraint
2
: a restraining force or influence
3
: control over one's behavior
act with restraint
Medical Definition
restraint
noun
re·straint
ri-ˈstrānt
: a device that restricts movement
restraints such as straitjackets for violent patients
Legal Definition
restraint
noun
re·straint
ri-ˈstrānt
1
a
: an act or fact of restraining see also prior restraint
b
: the state of being restrained
2
a
: a means of restraining
b
: a device that restricts movement (as of prisoners or violent psychiatric patients)
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