Synonyms of restrain

restrain

verb

ri-ˈstrān 

1

as in to regulate

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

• regulate
• control
• contain
• curb
• keep
• stifle
• suppress
• constrain
• inhibit
• tame
• measure
• govern
• hold
• check
• stop
• rule
• pull in
• bridle
• repress
• rein (in)
• interrupt
• impede
• hinder
• swallow
• strangle
• smother
• obstruct
• choke (back)
• arrest
• hamper
• hold back
• muffle
• squelch
• block
• silence
• sink
• mince
• bottle (up)
• handcuff
• pocket
• muzzle
• gag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• liberate
• loosen
• express
• loose
• take out
• unleash
• vent
• air

2

as in to arrest

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

• arrest
• seize
• grab
• apprehend
• detain
• capture
• run in
• commit
• pinch
• pull in
• snatch
• nab
• confine
• nail
• catch
• jail
• imprison
• nick
• bust
• pick up
• incarcerate
• collar
• trap
• bind
• grapple
• snare
• snap (up)
• hold
• hook
• land
• lock (up)
• get
• handcuff
• fetter
• enchain
• shackle
• immure
• bag
• trammel
• remand
• manacle
• intern
• rearrest
• jug

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• liberate
• loosen
• release
• free
• emancipate
• loose
• spring
• unbind
• unchain

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

Recent Examples of restrain

In recent years, however, the number of such edicts has soared as Republicans and Democrats ask judges to restrain a president of the opposition party. —Editorial, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025

Earlier this year, the DOJ filed a lawsuit against Chicago, asserting identical violations of the supremacy clause due to Chicago laws restraining local cooperation with immigration enforcement. —Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2025

Southwest Airlines staff and other passengers restrain the unruly passenger, who continues to insult the woman. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 June 2025

Officers immediately restrained Marie and turned him over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents. —Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025