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
Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
The same restrained values of democracy have always marked the White House—a stately house, but not an imperial one.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
Maddie Garfinkle, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
In 1990, for example, two robbers dressed as Boston police officers talked their way into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, restrained the guards and made off with 13 pieces of artwork 81 minutes later.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Adjective
Optional add-ons, such as the $500-tour of medieval Montalcino with a Brunello wine tasting, feel almost restrained in comparison.
—Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
The same restrained values of democracy have always marked the White House—a stately house, but not an imperial one.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
Emerson was restrained by flight attendants and moved to the back of the plane, preventing any further attempts to sabotage the aircraft, per authorities.
—Maddie Garfinkle, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
In 1990, for example, two robbers dressed as Boston police officers talked their way into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, restrained the guards and made off with 13 pieces of artwork 81 minutes later.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrained
Adjective
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It was all suitably muted and understated.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
25 Oct. 2025
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BeCalm is full of smart little touches that make life easier — think hidden pockets for your phone, buttery-soft fabrics that never cling, and muted tones that actually make getting dressed feel calming.—
Katie Ann Lehman,
StyleCaster,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In a video released last month, JNIM spokesman Abu Hudheifa al-Bambari demanded people cooperate in areas controlled by the group by stopping at its checkpoints and advised them to avoid traveling with military convoys.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
2 Nov. 2025
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By freezing and visualizing what happens in the developer, the team turned a long-unsolved, guesswork-heavy process into one that can be seen, understood, and controlled.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Wondra wasn’t charged with those felonies until March 2023, after she’d been arrested in connection with Michael’s death.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
31 Oct. 2025
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Two participants have been arrested, and three others are being questioned, one of those officials said.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While Nash-Betts wore a plunging electric blue gown with a mermaid silhouette, Betts coordinated in a snakeskin trenchcoat with a more subdued shade of blue.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
3 Nov. 2025
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Fernandez decorated the home’s interiors with a warm, subdued palette to give the place a serene family-friendly vibe.—
Katie Schultz,
Architectural Digest,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Glucose tolerance tests show that blood sugar was better regulated, too.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
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Unlike prescription drugs, supplements aren’t tightly regulated by the FDA.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The militants have seized large amounts of weaponry from government forces and demonstrated their ability to use drones, says the Counter Extremism Project (CEP), which analyzes terrorist groups.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
2 Nov. 2025
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In 2014, after Russia seized Crimea, President Obama imposed sanctions on the individuals and groups responsible for the aggression.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The Chicago Bears were relatively quiet ahead of the NFL trade deadline.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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Hotel Fasano São Paulo Itaim Consistently top-notch, from the beds to the dining, Hotel Fasano exudes quiet luxury.—
Jade Moyano,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire has been fully contained.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
5 Nov. 2025
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The blaze is now contained, but a shelter-in-place order remains in effect for the area around the airport.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrained. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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