1
as in to regulate
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
the victim's family members were unable to restrain their emotions upon hearing the verdict
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to arrest
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
the suspect was restrained and taken to an undisclosed location
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restrain
At the event, which saw hundreds of people in attendance, law enforcement restrained individuals and set up tents to question them about their immigration status.
—
Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 3 Nov. 2025
Video shows one agent restraining the man, then dragging him around as another agent helps pin him to the ground.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Staffers at a youth mental health treatment facility in southern Colorado were too quick to restrain kids — pinning bodies down, holding arms back — rather than de-escalate problems before patients put themselves or others in danger, a disability rights group found.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2025
If Congress had restrained itself the past 25 years, that money would pay for the Democrats’ health programs.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrain
Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 3 Nov. 2025
Video shows one agent restraining the man, then dragging him around as another agent helps pin him to the ground.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Staffers at a youth mental health treatment facility in southern Colorado were too quick to restrain kids — pinning bodies down, holding arms back — rather than de-escalate problems before patients put themselves or others in danger, a disability rights group found.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2025
If Congress had restrained itself the past 25 years, that money would pay for the Democrats’ health programs.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain
Verb
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According to Spark Biomedical, this stimulation regulates the nervous system and influences blood flow.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
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The devices measure pollutants regulated by the EPA, including nitrogen oxides, ozone and particulate matter from sources like gas turbines, factories and heavy traffic.—
Jack Armstrong,
Memphis Commercial Appeal,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Deputies arrested Sargent on Thursday on two felony animal-cruelty counts and one misdemeanor count.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) demanded that if and when Customs and Border Protection Commander Gregory Bovino returns to Chicago, he should be arrested.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The state Department of Education controls public education, under the leadership of the governor and the Legislature.—
SHELLEY SMITH SPECIAL TO THE DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
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The farmers also pitched in with efforts of their own, including adjusting fertilizer methods, controlling soil erosion and increasing on-site water retention.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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On Iowa State’s next possession, TCU senior safety Bud Clark came up with a massive interception right before the two-minute timeout, giving TCU a great opportunity to seize control of the game with the Horned Frogs getting the ball at halftime.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Nov. 2025
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Pokrovsk would be the largest city Russia has seized since Bakhmut in May 2023.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Dominique could hardly contain himself in his seat.—
Mirin Fader,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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Some fruit pits and seeds, like those in apples and pears, contain traces of cyanide, which is harmful to birds.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Tri-State Fishing and Outdoor Show Don your camo gear and grab your fishing poles for the Tri-State Fishing and Outdoor Show.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Jan. 2026
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The suspects, seen grabbing armfuls of merchandise during multiple rounds of theft, reportedly fled in a U-Haul truck, Lower Merion Police told Fox 29 Philadelphia.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Alex Rafalowicz, executive director of that initiative, told me the idea for a treaty builds on an International Court of Justice decision earlier this year that held nations legally responsible for curbing climate-heating pollution.—
John D. Sutter,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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But Walpole’s excitement was curbed when they were flagged for excessive celebration.—
Justin Barrasso,
Boston Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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While our immigration enforcement should be focused on apprehending and prosecuting violent criminals to make our communities safer, these ICE actions are doing the opposite and making our state less safe.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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At least five have been detained in recent months, according to CNN, with some believed to be apprehended as bargaining chips for the Maduro government.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrain. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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