as in muted
not excessively showy
a restrained but elegant black purse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026
Color still finds its way into the home, though in a restrained, thoughtful way.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
Ethan Stone, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
But this time, the reaction has been notably restrained, barring oil movements.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Adjective
The interiors lean into natural materials and a restrained palette, letting the original bones of the structure shine.
—Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026
Color still finds its way into the home, though in a restrained, thoughtful way.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
Passengers under the age of 18 are required to be properly restrained.
—Ethan Stone, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
But this time, the reaction has been notably restrained, barring oil movements.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrained
Adjective
-
The château’s striking original facade somehow melds serendipitously with the contemporary interior, which exudes calm thanks to natural stone, fine woods, and muted fabrics throughout.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
For a more elevated take on the duo, Browning suggests a more muted approach.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
For the first time all season, both stars controlled the game — just at different times.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
-
These images are easy to fake or are displayed on fraudulent websites controlled by the scammer.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In a letter to senators earlier this year, then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that between January and November of last year, 261 DACA recipients were arrested and 86 were removed from the country.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
25 Apr. 2026
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Three people were arrested after shots were fired at officers attempting to pull a vehicle over in the Brighton Park neighborhood, Chicago police said.—
Deanese Williams-Harris,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
After the vibrant color palette of the 1980s, the 1990s ushered in a more subdued vibe, with dusty mauves, cool teals, and grayish pastels dominating everything from walls to upholstery.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Here, the spa is much smaller and more subdued in design, although the same treatments are offered.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Authorities regulated wrestling as a sport; this meant taxes, regulations, and safety laws.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Prediction markets are also more widely available than online betting apps, because they’re regulated differently.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Authorities also seized multiple weapons, ammunition and explosive devices, the military said.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Some vessels with links to Iran made attempts to move through the strait, but others are staying away after Iran attacked three ships with gunfire earlier this week and seized two more.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Sources later confirmed to PEOPLE that Prince had a quiet history of using the prescription painkiller Percocet.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
After a mostly quiet game, Alexander-Walker had a critical steal late as the Hawks completed their stunning rally.—
Darnell Mayberry,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The scientists found both were composed of a fibrous material that contained many stinging cells called spirocysts, which belong exclusively to the branch of aquatic invertebrates known as cnidarians.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
23 Apr. 2026
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Firefighters in northern Colorado contained a small wildfire burning near Horsetooth Reservoir west of Fort Collins on Thursday night and lifted evacuation orders east of the reservoir.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrained. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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