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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of restrained
Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Chief among them is that Iran's retaliatory strike turned out to be more restrained than many had feared.
—CNBC, 24 June 2025
Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 5 Jan. 2025
Three former deputies are indicted in connection with the death of a man restrained in a Virginia jail, authorities said.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Adjective
Takahata’s adept direction is both restrained and heartbreakingly sincere, painting the siblings’ experience not as melodrama but as a stark, unsparing look at the cost of war on civilians—particularly children.
—Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Chief among them is that Iran's retaliatory strike turned out to be more restrained than many had feared.
—CNBC, 24 June 2025
Verb
He was eventually restrained by the patrons.
—Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 5 Jan. 2025
Three former deputies are indicted in connection with the death of a man restrained in a Virginia jail, authorities said.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrained
Adjective
-
Consumers who prefer a caramel macchiato from Starbucks for their caffeine hit will likely see a more muted impact on their wallets.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
10 July 2025
-
Market movements were relatively muted, signaling investors think Trump’s new tariffs are more negotiating tactics than firm policy.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
Yella Beezy was also once arrested and charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of marijuana — charges which were later dismissed, according to court documents.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
22 Mar. 2025
-
Howard was later arrested near the edge of campus after leaving the scene on foot, police said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows are continuing on a subdued trajectory, reflecting persistent macroeconomic headwinds and investor caution.—
Courtney Fingar,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
-
Lennar's earnings report last week also showed subdued activity , with the homebuilder leaning on incentives to gin up demand.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,
CNBC,
22 June 2025
Verb
-
Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you.—
Amy Fischer MS, RD,
Health,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Currently, the disposal of wind turbine waste is regulated by the localities and states hosting wind turbine projects.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Adebayo did not force his offense, in a game where there was little for the Heat to have to counter in the middle, but then seized control with his scoring late.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Dec. 2024
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Before Hamas seized full control of Gaza in 2007, Christians would often place a large Christmas tree near a major square in Gaza City.—
Aaron Boxerman,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Pulse Picks Yes, the MLB trade deadline could be quiet … but there are some big names that could move, too.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
-
Once a quiet fishing village, Nazaré, Portugal, is home to some of the world's largest rideable waves, reaching up to 100 feet.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
Jabbar's truck contained an ISIS flag.—
Joey Garrison,
USA TODAY,
3 Jan. 2025
-
Many of the posts contained hateful messages about Muslim Americans, the same type of bigotry O'Reilly had fought against.—
Niraj Warikoo,
Detroit Free Press,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The victim told cops the suspect grabbed her from behind, put her in a bear hug, and grinded against her before escaping down the street.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2025
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The attacker then grabbed around $10 out of the victim’s pockets before fleeing on foot.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrained. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.
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