restrain

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb restrain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of restrain are bridle, check, and curb. While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes.

restrained themselves from laughing

When could bridle be used to replace restrain?

The words bridle and restrain can be used in similar contexts, but bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in.

bridle an impulse to throw the book down

When can check be used instead of restrain?

The words check and restrain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus.

trying to check government spending

Where would curb be a reasonable alternative to restrain?

Although the words curb and restrain have much in common, curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking.

learn to curb your appetite

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of restrain Hietala is accused of restraining a woman in a hotel in Fairbanks in July 2018, prosecutors said. Sara Schilling, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2025 But on social media, Ms. Hudson has been less restrained. Katherine Rosman, New York Times, 20 May 2025 While Saudi Arabia is rolling out the red carpet for Nvidia’s latest-generation chips, China is seeing growing restrictions even on underpowered GPUs such as the H20, as the U.S. attempts to restrain the country’s domestic AI ambitions. Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 19 May 2025 All of the surviving victims were granted indefinite restraining orders at the sentencing hearing, authorities said. Nicole Acosta, People.com, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for restrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain
Verb
  • This process helps us self-audit, regulate our practices and identify areas for improvement.
    Geoff Scott, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Each one shapes how we’re perceived and how others regulate their own behavior in response.
    Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • The former record executive, who was arrested in 2015 on suspicion of murder in a hit-and-run incident that killed businessman Terry Carter, reportedly agreed to a $1.5 million settlement in the wrongful death case on April 29, according to Rolling Stone.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Detectives arrested Ryan Hewitt, 29, of Corona on charges of carjacking and murder following an investigation, the sheriff’s office said.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Cardinale and his team have long chased the Telegraph, but an earlier an earlier attempt to buy it through All3Media owner RedBird IMI, which is majority controlled out of the Middle East, was blocked by the Conservative Party.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 May 2025
  • In 1950, the wall was reconstructed to control erosion and create artificial beaches.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Officials with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms conducted a search at Ross’ home in Oklahoma and seized materials that were used to build the explosive devices, police said.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025
  • Israel imposed a blockade on all supplies entering Gaza in March, saying Hamas was seizing supplies meant for civilians - a charge the group denies.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • The following contains major spoilers for all of Andor!
    Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Indeed, data from NASA's Lunar Prospector mission revealed the lunar nearside contains up to 10 times more thorium than lunar farside.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Combs returns to the scene shortly thereafter and appears to grab at the phone.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Rutgers teammates Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey might end up as No. 2 and No. 3 overall, but the Hornets will be able to grab one if not.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • And birthright citizenship is particularly ill-suited as a vehicle for curbing them.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 17 May 2025
  • Royalty rates paid by companies to extract oil, gas and coal would be cut, reversing Biden’s attempts to curb fossil fuels to help address climate change.
    Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Nine migrants detained in attempt to enter La Jolla by boat Nine people were apprehended over the weekend after making landfall in La Jolla during an attempt to enter the United States by boat, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2025
  • Footage of the low-stakes battle was captured by the resident's doorbell camera, which shows the gator moving door-to-door in Tortuga, a residential neighborhood in Fort Myers, before it was apprehended by a state alligator trapper.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Restrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrain. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on restrain

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