1
as in discipline
the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others
it will take a great deal of restraint to keep from telling her how ugly that dress is
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice
civil libertarians contend that the new laws place too many restraints on our constitutionally guaranteed rights
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in temperance
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
he shows very little restraint or tact when expressing his opinions about others
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restraint
In addition to freeing the motors and battery from all restraint, Velocity Max delivers launch control for ultimate straight-line performance.
—
Mark Phelan, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025
Max’s death later prompted changes to California law that banned the use of prone restraint on students.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Consumers Union, a nonprofit watchdog organization (now Consumer Reports) published results of crash tests of 15 child safety restraints.
—Time, 5 Aug. 2025
The law also requires children between age 5 and 8 who are under four feet nine inches tall to use appropriate child restraint systems, such as booster seats.
—Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Mark Phelan, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025
Max’s death later prompted changes to California law that banned the use of prone restraint on students.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Consumers Union, a nonprofit watchdog organization (now Consumer Reports) published results of crash tests of 15 child safety restraints.
—Time, 5 Aug. 2025
The law also requires children between age 5 and 8 who are under four feet nine inches tall to use appropriate child restraint systems, such as booster seats.
—Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
Noun
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As the entertainment industry’s publication of record, Variety seeks to highlight creatives who are making waves across a spectrum of disciplines.—
Variety Staff,
Variety,
8 Aug. 2025
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Los Angeles — While Hollywood actors may be the face of the film and television industry, teams of professionals work behind the scenes, bringing each cinematic story to life through disciplines like lighting, costumes and set design.—
Kathleen Toner,
CNN Money,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The cheapest pass at Jackson Hole, WY with no blackout dates or restrictions is currently $2,950.—
Larry Olmsted,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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Presidential-library foundations have far fewer restrictions.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Eureka Springs, Arkansas The entire downtown of Eureka Springs is part of the National Register of Historic Places: Admire the preserved Victorian architecture and make special note of Hatchet Hall, the former clapboard home of hatchet-wielding temperance movement leader Carry A. Nation.—
Ashlea Halpern,
AFAR Media,
1 Aug. 2025
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For example, individuals developing temperance typically find that dimensions such as humanity stress temperance when people become impatient with others, given weaknesses in their empathy and compassion.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Noun
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While past presidents, including Barack Obama, maintained a cautious distance from Lukashenko—whose 31-year rule has been marked by repression and international isolation—Trump has opted for warmer ties.—
Hannah Parry
Amanda Castro
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
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The regime turns the former leper hospital into a place of death, where the prisoners are subjected to repression in a place of astounding beauty.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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In that case, if AI were said to be doing religious counseling when providing mental health advice, the AI maker would apparently be free of the constraint.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Those surcharges varied by trade lane last year and were most heavily based on Asia-to-U.S. flights as the company experienced capacity constraints.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The surgery comes with risks, including nerve injury and a loss of range of motion.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Aug. 2025
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King has been out since mid-May with a nerve impingement near his right (throwing) shoulder.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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That May Stave Off Disease Alzheimer's: Scientists Discover What Sparks Disease Arthritis Treatment Reduces Painful Flare-Ups, Slows Disease Illustration representing inhibition of protein complex 'mTORC1' by rapamycin leading to immunosuppression for a tumor.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
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The most recognizable symptoms are a loss of social inhibition, inappropriate behavior, and lack of self-care.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Disabilities exist on a spectrum that includes temporary and situational limitations that affect every single user at some point.—
Sowmya Hariharan,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
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Weight limitations: Glass cooktops often have specific weight limits, and using multiple cast-iron pans may exceed those limits.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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