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

Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve give superbly restrained performances as a married couple who have immigrated from Romania to a small seaside town in Norway with their four children. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026

The Sydney penthouse, measuring in at just under 9,700 square feet, takes a restrained approach while still feeling sumptuous, thanks to interiors that pair custom pieces with luxe materials. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2026

Verb

The Beauty of Her Understated Makeup Grace Kelly’s makeup was remarkably restrained, especially during an era when bold lips, dramatic eyes, and glamorous Hollywood looks dominated the screen. — Colleen Sullivan, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026

What that framing misses is that the impulse being restrained is not necessarily a moral defect. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026