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
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Recent Examples of restrained
Anniek Bao,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
The store’s soft opening this month coincided with the kickoff of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, and Montelli paid homage to Milan with a minimalist chapter inspired by the city’s architectural codes and restrained elegance.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 27 Feb. 2026
Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Employees restrained the suspect until officers arrived at the scene, Shih said.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Adjective
China's restrained stance in backing Iran militarily is not new.
—Anniek Bao,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
The store’s soft opening this month coincided with the kickoff of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, and Montelli paid homage to Milan with a minimalist chapter inspired by the city’s architectural codes and restrained elegance.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
One of them knocked Messi over as security guards restrained him.
—Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Employees restrained the suspect until officers arrived at the scene, Shih said.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrained
Adjective
-
This manicure plays with two shades of green, a muted olive and a vibrant shamrock.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Guest rooms are decked out in muted coastal blues and offer ocean views, the SEA Wellness Spa specializes in hydrating and anti-aging facials, massages, and nailcare, and a restaurant, lounge, and bar serve a variety of salads, seafood, and cocktails.—
Tim Chester,
Robb Report,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The exceptions would be Florida and Texas, where Republicans have controlled the state legislatures for decades.—
Hansi Lo Wang,
NPR,
9 Mar. 2026
-
But if the rate of growth in broad money is controlled, then higher spending on oil and gasoline will be offset by lower spending on other items, restraining overall inflation.—
Steve H. Hanke,
Fortune,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Between February 27 and March 2, the investigators found and arrested four suspects.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
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Three people were arrested, and an investigation is underway, Tisch said.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The subdued testimony came a little more than a month after Ye took out a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal, apologizing for antisemitic remarks.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
6 Mar. 2026
-
At the Grist House Beer Crib on Pittsburgh Road in Butler, Thursday nights usually have a more subdued crowd, but not on this particular Thursday.—
Josh Taylor,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But defense is heavily regulated by international humanitarian law and weapons testing standards, which in theory should also address the use of artificial intelligence.—
Parmy Olson,
Mercury News,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Electricity supplies are mostly regulated at the state level and managed across regions, using market structures that vary across the country.—
Josh Boak,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Agents also seized about $80,000 in cash, six firearms and additional quantities of narcotics during arrests carried out Thursday morning.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
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Government agencies commonly seized land from Black and Latino property owners to expand cities and build infrastructure.—
Ara Rosenthal,
Mercury News,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Huskies seemed determined to keep Bascoe quiet, bringing double teams to the Villanova point guard that left teammates open on the perimeter, and the gamble played off with the Wildcats shooting just 4-for-20 on 3-pointers in the first half.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
10 Mar. 2026
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Villa Giggione is a quiet perch about three miles from Positano, in Maiori, that feels tailor-made for a couples’ getaway.—
Angela Tafoya,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The message from Balich to Ogalla contained strategy on how the County Board should act on the 143rd Street widening project through Homer Glen, which was a contentious issue.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Dozens of aircraft shelters likely contained more planes, hidden from satellite view.—
Gianluca Mezzofiore,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrained. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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