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 An article from the American Veterinary Medical Association stated that pets should always be properly restrained when in a vehicle. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025 In Massachusetts, Turkish national and Tufts University grad student Rümeysa Öztürk was physically restrained by six plainclothes officers, most of whom were wearing face coverings. Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025 But beginning in 2027, children from 8 to 16 years old will have to pass a five-step test to be considered properly restrained by a seat belt under California law. Calmatters, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025 Defex then ran from the house, but the homeowner gave chase and fought the man in an effort to restrain him until police arrived. Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for restrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain
Verb
  • Advertisement Minimal protections for football’s youngest players Experts argue that youth football is the least regulated of all.
    Alana Semuels, Time, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The chimney, a symbol of the site’s industrial heritage, now functions as an intake for external air captured at 60 meters, which is then circulated through the bioclimatic greenhouse on the south facade, which Ruffini highlighted, and that helps to regulate internal temperatures.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • An 18-year old wanted on multiple felony charges was arrested Monday after officers rammed his vehicle in West Memphis, the Arkansas State Police said in a news release Wednesday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Police confirmed Wednesday that six people had been arrested in relation to the violence.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Their innovation, called retina E-paper, uses nanoparticles to control how light scatters, achieving lifelike color reproduction that can be tuned electrically.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Earlier this year, a New York judge held that Nicklaus controls licensing of his NIL, including for golf course designs, but that Nicklaus Companies owns the trademarks.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Unified Government can seize someone’s home in this way if the residents don’t pay all their property taxes for three years.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Leveraging geopolitical insights allows businesses to build resilient partnerships and seize emerging opportunities before rivals.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can alter the pH balance of urine.
    MD Published, Verywell Health, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The popcorn may contain undeclared peanuts, posing a serious risk of allergic reactions.
    Jenna Anderson, Health, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Casanovas’ use of the brand as a platform for self-expression has clearly grabbed attention among his Gen Z peers.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025
  • So instead of getting out your sad, chipped mixing bowls as your backup serving pieces, grab a three-piece set of these Trudeau porcelain serving bowls.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Tensions were already high between Washington and Bogotá over President Gustavo Petro’s attempts to curb drug trafficking, threatening the countries’ close security and commercial relations.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2025
  • As a way to help curb these issues without generating waste, TNC teamed up with the Henry Doorly Zoo to cut back the trees and shrubs at the preserve and then use the clippings to supplement the diets of some of the zoo's largest animals.
    Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hennie said the person was apprehended without incident.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Imperiale was apprehended in 2021 and later deported to Italy, where he is now incarcerated.
    Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Restrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrain. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on restrain

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