as in muted
not excessively showy
a restrained but elegant black purse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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 restrained
Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
Investigators say the 12-year-old girl alleged she was taken to a community garden in Overtown, restrained and then raped.
—Peter D'oench, CBS News, 1 June 2026
Doyle Rice, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Some users online have also complained about the model being restrained and combative, refusing to comply with even straightforward and benign requests.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Adjective
There are no flashy logos or overpowering buckles, giving the bag a restrained quality that lets the unique shape be the star.
—Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
Investigators say the 12-year-old girl alleged she was taken to a community garden in Overtown, restrained and then raped.
—Peter D'oench, CBS News, 1 June 2026
Verb
According to Virginia Tech University, mosquitoes were restrained behind fabric mesh with a bag of warm blood positioned just out of reach.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Some users online have also complained about the model being restrained and combative, refusing to comply with even straightforward and benign requests.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrained
Adjective
-
His trademark cool was sidelined by a more demonstrative style, closer to the theatrical sensibilities of 2Pac than the muted menace that once defined him.—
Jayson Buford,
Rolling Stone,
3 June 2026
-
Breeding siblings The first step was to find a common bean plant with a muted In11 receptor.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Elinor Dashwood is the epitome of Sense—self-contained, controlled, restrained.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
-
Of California’s 58 counties, only in OC is the investment portfolio not controlled by the treasurer-tax collector.—
John Seiler,
Oc Register,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Baltimore Police say Lunn was arrested less than a week later, after a person who saw a Metro Crime Stoppers flyer on the news called in a tip.—
CBS Baltimore Staff,
CBS News,
7 June 2026
-
Alvarez, his brother and his mother were arrested later that year.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
Hotel Portsmouth’s rooms are bright and quirky, while the rooms at The Bow have a more serene and subdued ambience.—
Jacqueline Dole,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 2026
-
After years dominated by the reliable little black dress and subdued minimalism, wedding guest attire is swinging loudly in the opposite direction.—
Lauren Fisher,
Footwear News,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Importantly, supplements like colostrum are not regulated as rigorously as prescription medications by the FDA, which lead to concerns surrounding product quality, purity and consistency.—
Omer Awan,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
But because the title is not regulated, credentials matter.—
Emily Cegielski,
Flow Space,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Liliana Escobar made sure the Lions seized it.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
During the search, police said investigators allegedly seized 30 grams worth of fentanyl pills, 12 grams of crack cocaine, several digital scales, a BB gun, and two 9mm rounds of ammunition.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
Your generous heart brightens others, yet quiet courage today keeps your creative fire protected while old feelings move through safely.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
-
The Cloudburst Jacket is a soft and quiet high-performance waterproof jacket for everything from everyday to endurance training and competition.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Even inside the courtroom, where cameras were not allowed, enthusiasm for Jackson’s music could not be contained.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2026
-
That sense of exclusivity carries over to the rest of the public areas, and the fireplace lounge, which is as popular with guests as with locals, feels contained but not walled off.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrained. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
