Synonyms of restrained

restrained 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈstrānd 

as in muted

not excessively showy

a restrained but elegant black purse

Synonyms & Similar Words

• muted
• subdued
• quiet
• repressed
• understated
• conservative
• proper
• simple
• low-key
• appropriate
• sober
• fitting
• unpretentious
• unflashy
• suitable
• toned-down
• modest
• handsome
• graceful
• plain
• becoming
• unadorned
• fit
• unobtrusive
• sensible
• inconspicuous
• undecorated
• tasteful
• practical
• unnoticeable
• drab
• refined
• mousy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loud
• flamboyant
• noisy
• gaudy
• ostentatious
• flashy
• garish
• glitzy
• swank
• splashy
• flaring
• meretricious
• vulgar
• tawdry
• fancy
• tacky
• tasteless
• inelegant
• gilded
• ornate
• trashy
• baroque
• razzle-dazzle
• graceless
• rococo
• overwrought
• frilly
• overdecorated
• overdone

restrained

2 of 2

verb

past tense of restrain

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

• controlled
• regulated
• contained
• curbed
• kept
• constrained
• measured
• suppressed
• stifled
• tamed
• inhibited
• governed
• ruled
• held
• checked
• stopped
• bridled
• pulled in
• interrupted
• reined (in)
• repressed
• swallowed
• smothered
• muffled
• arrested
• strangled
• hampered
• hindered
• minced
• impeded
• choked (back)
• held back
• blocked
• silenced
• obstructed
• squelched
• handcuffed
• sank
• pocketed
• muzzled
• bottled (up)
• gagged

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lost
• liberated
• loosened
• expressed
• unleashed
• took out
• aired
• loosed
• vented

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

• arrested
• seized
• grabbed
• apprehended
• detained
• captured
• pinched
• committed
• nailed
• collared
• nicked
• jailed
• ran in
• snatched
• pulled in
• confined
• caught
• imprisoned
• nabbed
• trapped
• busted
• picked up
• incarcerated
• handcuffed
• bound
• snapped (up)
• fettered
• shackled
• grappled
• locked (up)
• hooked
• snared
• landed
• held
• bagged
• interned
• manacled
• got
• immured
• trammeled
• enchained
• rearrested
• jugged
• remanded

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharged
• liberated
• released
• freed
• loosened
• emancipated
• sprang
• loosed
• unbound
• unchained

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of restrained

Adjective

Williams was asked by Bennie about playing someone so deep in the closet and delivering such a remarkably restrained performance. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026

Bystander video of the July 2024 incident shows Showalter dropping from a standing position and ramming his knee into the neck of a restrained man, William Hardy, of Kansas City, who was lying on the ground. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026

Verb

Gomez’s makeup and hair were similarly restrained, featuring long, loose waves and barely-there makeup. — Marci Robin, Allure, 15 Sep. 2026

Baltimore Police Police later restrained Melton, the father of two, and called for a medic. — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026