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
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Recent Examples of restrained
Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Wirtz, especially, can look awkward in Julian Nagelsmann’s team, and is used in a comparatively restrained way.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 28 May 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 company expects ongoing cautious consumer behavior amid persistent inflation, leading to restrained discretionary spending, especially on high-ticket products.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Wirtz, especially, can look awkward in Julian Nagelsmann’s team, and is used in a comparatively restrained way.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 28 May 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
-
The muted response to these modern takes on decades-old classics perhaps explains the move toward reviving properties that resonate with much younger generations instead.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
13 June 2025
-
London, on the other hand, has a much more muted outlook.—
Ryan Masiello,
Forbes.com,
13 June 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
-
Defying the typical approach where women tend to remain subdued and silent, often fearful of additional scrutiny.—
Gemma Allen,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
-
Its madras inventory today includes these seven-inch shorts in a slightly more subdued and earthy pattern and color.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
23 June 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
-
For those looking to venture farther, Cruz Bay’s private itineraries stretch deep into the BVI, blending gourmet dining, reef diving, and quiet anchorages into one seamless luxurious adventure.—
Tanya Benedicto Klich,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
-
Ideally, your room is dark, quiet and cool — think between 65 and 75 degrees.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 June 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 30 Jun. 2025.
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