as in muted
not excessively showy
a restrained but elegant black purse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in controlled
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrested
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of restrained
Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 15 July 2025
The interior sports a much more restrained look, with black being the dominant color.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 July 2025
Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 5 Jan. 2025
Three former deputies are indicted in connection with the death of a man restrained in a Virginia jail, authorities said.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Adjective
The hands-on explanation and mastery of the menu, and the personalized but restrained engagement from staff made dinner here feel special.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 15 July 2025
The interior sports a much more restrained look, with black being the dominant color.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 July 2025
Verb
He was eventually restrained by the patrons.
—Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 5 Jan. 2025
Three former deputies are indicted in connection with the death of a man restrained in a Virginia jail, authorities said.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrained
Adjective
-
Julia is dressed quite plainly in servants’ clothing, while Henry looks slightly more well-to-do, though he’s also fitted in muted browns (and notably is wearing a kilt!).—
Maureen Lee Lenker Published,
EW.com,
22 July 2025
-
Flavonoids, an antioxidant found in oranges and other plants, may contribute to orange juice's muted effect on blood sugar.—
Sarah Bence,
Verywell Health,
22 July 2025
Verb
-
Yella Beezy was also once arrested and charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of marijuana — charges which were later dismissed, according to court documents.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Howard was later arrested near the edge of campus after leaving the scene on foot, police said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Over the past three months, Trump has been engaged in multiple rounds of saber-rattling and often intense negotiations with U.S. trading partners that have jangled nerves but nonetheless coincided with a subdued but solid pace of economic growth.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
30 July 2025
-
Should the labor market weaken and inflation remain relatively subdued, more interest rate cuts are possible.—
Simon Moore,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
Verb
-
Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you.—
Amy Fischer MS, RD,
Health,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Currently, the disposal of wind turbine waste is regulated by the localities and states hosting wind turbine projects.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Adebayo did not force his offense, in a game where there was little for the Heat to have to counter in the middle, but then seized control with his scoring late.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Before Hamas seized full control of Gaza in 2007, Christians would often place a large Christmas tree near a major square in Gaza City.—
Aaron Boxerman,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Accessible only by boat, the island features quiet trails, pebble beaches, and one campsite on the north end.—
Katherine Lawless,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Aug. 2025
-
At least the Cubs can take heart knowing the 64-44 Brewers, their chief rival in the NL Central, also stayed quiet.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Jabbar's truck contained an ISIS flag.—
Joey Garrison,
USA TODAY,
3 Jan. 2025
-
Many of the posts contained hateful messages about Muslim Americans, the same type of bigotry O'Reilly had fought against.—
Niraj Warikoo,
Detroit Free Press,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The victim told cops the suspect grabbed her from behind, put her in a bear hug, and grinded against her before escaping down the street.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2025
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The attacker then grabbed around $10 out of the victim’s pockets before fleeing on foot.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrained. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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