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

Paltrow has described her own approach as more restrained, with dry-brushing before heat and a 20-minute warm bath soak most evenings. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026

Clean silhouettes, restrained colors and familiar wardrobe staples provided the foundation, with distinction coming through cut, proportion, materials and construction. — Yiling Pan, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

Verb

On the strength of those elections, restrained only marginally by the midterm elections of 1982, Reagan began his second term on top of the world. — Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026

Security restrained Kruse’s arm behind her back while escorting her through the stands. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026