Synonyms of restrain

restrain

verb

ri-ˈstrān 

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

• regulate
• control
• contain
• curb
• keep
• stifle
• suppress
• constrain
• inhibit
• tame
• measure
• govern
• hold
• check
• stop
• rule
• pull in
• bridle
• repress
• rein (in)
• interrupt
• impede
• hinder
• swallow
• strangle
• smother
• obstruct
• choke (back)
• arrest
• hamper
• hold back
• muffle
• squelch
• block
• silence
• sink
• mince
• bottle (up)
• handcuff
• pocket
• muzzle
• gag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• liberate
• loosen
• express
• loose
• take out
• unleash
• vent
• air

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

• arrest
• seize
• grab
• apprehend
• detain
• capture
• run in
• commit
• pinch
• pull in
• snatch
• nab
• confine
• nail
• catch
• jail
• imprison
• nick
• bust
• pick up
• incarcerate
• collar
• trap
• bind
• grapple
• snare
• snap (up)
• hold
• hook
• land
• lock (up)
• get
• handcuff
• fetter
• enchain
• shackle
• immure
• bag
• trammel
• remand
• manacle
• intern
• rearrest
• jug

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• liberate
• loosen
• release
• free
• emancipate
• loose
• spring
• unbind
• unchain

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

Recent Examples of restrain

The unidentified passenger was restrained by the flight crew, reported Kyodo News. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 May 2025

Two military veterans who were onboard assisted the crew in restraining the man. —Latoya Gayle, People.com, 25 May 2025

The video of the arrest was aired by Noticias Telemundo, and shows officers physically restraining him. —Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025

Fulton said he was forced to restrain the victim to protect himself. —Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025