restrain

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb restrain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of restrain are bridle, check, and curb. While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes.

restrained themselves from laughing

When could bridle be used to replace restrain?

The words bridle and restrain can be used in similar contexts, but bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in.

bridle an impulse to throw the book down

When can check be used instead of restrain?

The words check and restrain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus.

trying to check government spending

Where would curb be a reasonable alternative to restrain?

Although the words curb and restrain have much in common, curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking.

learn to curb your appetite

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of restrain The Chinese government restrains the free flow of capital through measures such as controls on inbound and outbound investments and restrictions on international bank transfers. Edward Fishman, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025 The vibe is more old-world social club than cigar lounge: rich in atmosphere, restrained in execution. Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 The state’s strongest piece of evidence against Pratt was his DNA found on a roll of duct tape that was used to restrain the victims. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025 Hansi Flick was seen restraining the Brazilian, who headed down the tunnel clearly enraged. Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for restrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain
Verb
  • Its double-sided design keeps your body temperature regulated all night long, with one side made of cool gel memory and the other of breathable bamboo viscose.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The panelists agreed that a focused, narrow bill regulating stablecoins could help cement the U.S. dollar’s dominance in a digital future.
    Nik Popli, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • During the court hearing, the Florida Highway Patrol was the only agency mentioned as an arresting agency in those cases, including the one of the U.S. citizen.
    Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Owen Cooper plays Jamie Miller, a boy who is arrested for the murder of one of his classmates.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Boone was asked if Chisholm needs to find a better way to control his emotions.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Judge Brinkema ruled that Google unlawfully controls two of the three parts of the advertising technology market: the publisher ad server market and ad exchange market.
    Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • These results suggest that media-savvy Democrats who seize this moment to call out Trump and the MAGA agenda could put themselves in a strong position to become the next leader of the Democratic Party.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Big little Liechtenstein Soon after the Castro brothers seized power in 1959, at the height of the Cold War as the globe was falling into capitalist or communist camps, a complete U.S. trade embargo sought to choke the Cuban economy and bring about regime change.
    Kevin G. Hall, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After the fire is fully contained, the next step is to control it.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Fires were contained, and no casualties were reported.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo finished the game by scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Metcalf grabbed Anthony and again told him to get from under the team’s tent, then Anthony pulled out a knife and stabbed Metcalf once in the chest before running away, the witness said.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • On Monday, the Chinese government warned other countries against curbing trade with China to win a reprieve from U.S. tariffs, promising to retaliate against countries that did so.
    River Akira Davis, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The tool, which is similar to one used by Elon Musk's X, replaced the company’s partnerships with news organizations and fact-checking groups as its primary mechanism for curbing the viral spread of false information.
    Katie Paul and Echo Wang, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Secret Service apprehended another suspect, weeks later, Ryan Routh, who was armed on a golf course where Trump was playing.
    Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Police apprehended 38-year-old Cody Balmer in connection with the incident, and search warrants alleged that the suspect admitted to the crimes.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrain. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on restrain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!