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 protesters were restrained and then escorted outside and placed into police vans. Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2025 It is restrained by the reasonableness of the defendant’s actions. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2025 Instead, cocktails in London’s best bars are restrained, precise, and undoubtedly delicious. Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 June 2025 The motion requests the judge to restrain all members of Trump’s administration from enforcing the order. Andy Rose, CNN Money, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for restrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain
Verb
  • While the federal government, not the state, regulates immigration, how should state and local personnel and resources be utilized for that end?
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025
  • Does the rule maker want to get into the business of regulating KPIs by industry?
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • Her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, was initially arrested in June 2019, along with Troconis, and charged with tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
  • Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was arrested Sunday night after an intense manhunt and faces both state and federal murder charges, including multiple counts of murder and stalking.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The number of apartments built there is controlled by the state’s density bonus law, which allows projects that include affordable housing to include more units than permitted under local zoning laws.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 June 2025
  • Ukraine currently controls only a fraction of Kursk.
    Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • The Astros did not seize it, bypassing infielder Brice Matthews in favor of journeymen veterans Cooper Hummel and Luis Guillorme.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • Creators are making money via social media and e-commerce platforms every day, so there’s no reason why freelancers can’t seize the opportunity as well.
    Chelsea Tobin, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • On-screen text follows, reminding us that the virus laid waste to the UK, which was quarantined to contain the evil, with survivors there being left to fend for themselves.
    Mark Meszoros, Boston Herald, 19 June 2025
  • The drink, made with real fruit and no artificial flavors or colors, costs $2.99 and is said to contain only 250 calories.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • In the few months since its launch, JD.com has grabbed 7.5% of China’s food-delivery market after its daily meal orders reached 20 million on May 13, according to a May 14 research note from Blue Lotus Capital Advisors.
    Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • To help keep your home safe (and know when your Prime Day packages arrive), grab a Ring Battery Doorbell with Indoor Cam for under $150.
    Laura Lu, Parents, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • But the Malian army and Russian mercenaries struggled to curb violence in the country and have both been accused of targeting civilians.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025
  • Citi Bike has agreed to curb the speed at which its e-bikes can go at 15 miles per hour — a move that came in response to a service suspension threat from Mayor Adams’ administration.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • He was apprehended by the District of Connecticut Violent Fugitive Task Force.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025
  • Boelter was apprehended in Sibley County, about 50 miles away from Minneapolis, after a two-day manhunt authorities called the largest in the state's history.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Restrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrain. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on restrain

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