1
as in controlling
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arresting
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
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Recent Examples of restraining
The security team and members of the church assisted the guard in restraining Mbwavi.
—
Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026
In the rush by corporations to monetize AI investment by increasing efficiency and reducing workforce costs, restraining a surge of AI takeovers is a concern.
—Greg Mellen, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
Keller police have charged a Shady Grove Elementary special education teacher with unlawfully restraining a 4‑year‑old student after investigators corroborated a parent's report with statements from school staff.
—Doug Myers, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
On Sunday, a video appearing to show immigration agents restraining a crying woman in front of her child at San Francisco International Airport circulated on social media platforms.
—Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026
The spike in oil prices risks adding to inflationary pressures and restraining the economy.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026
Jax did not bother restraining emotion.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
But if the rate of growth in broad money is controlled, then higher spending on oil and gasoline will be offset by lower spending on other items, restraining overall inflation.
—Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
The lawsuit asks the Ingham County Circuit Court to declare Kalshi's internet sports betting operation a common law nuisance and to issue a permanent injunction and order of abatement enjoining and restraining Kalshi from engaging in or advertising its internet sports betting operation in Michigan.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026
In the rush by corporations to monetize AI investment by increasing efficiency and reducing workforce costs, restraining a surge of AI takeovers is a concern.
—Greg Mellen, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
Keller police have charged a Shady Grove Elementary special education teacher with unlawfully restraining a 4‑year‑old student after investigators corroborated a parent's report with statements from school staff.
—Doug Myers, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
On Sunday, a video appearing to show immigration agents restraining a crying woman in front of her child at San Francisco International Airport circulated on social media platforms.
—Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026
The spike in oil prices risks adding to inflationary pressures and restraining the economy.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026
Jax did not bother restraining emotion.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
But if the rate of growth in broad money is controlled, then higher spending on oil and gasoline will be offset by lower spending on other items, restraining overall inflation.
—Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
The lawsuit asks the Ingham County Circuit Court to declare Kalshi's internet sports betting operation a common law nuisance and to issue a permanent injunction and order of abatement enjoining and restraining Kalshi from engaging in or advertising its internet sports betting operation in Michigan.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraining
Verb
-
Till the final whistle, or James’ final words, leaving Toyota Center on Friday with a controlling advantage en route to a potential second-round showdown with the defending champs, that desperation was evident.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The company completed a recapitalization in October that cemented its structure as a nonprofit with a controlling stake in its for-profit business.—
Ashley Capoot,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The video shows Timothy Brown's arrest last week in Brooklyn, in which the arresting officers can be seen repeatedly punching him, and shoving him to the ground.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The raid left Charlotte’s Latin American population reeling but ICE agents kept up the pace statewide after the Border Patrol left, arresting an average of about 20 people per day in December, January and February.—
Caitlin McGlade,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The City Council is the latest legislative body to take up the work of regulating social media companies for minors.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The cotton underside is just insulating enough to work on your bed year-round, while the linen’s airflow lets heat escape for a naturally temperature-regulating combination.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Road closures have been seizing the country’s leafy capital, as vans disgorge military style kit bags and American personnel to match at top hotels.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Human Rights Watch said authorities have taken sweeping steps to curb religious practice, including tearing down churches and crosses, blocking gatherings at unregistered churches and seizing religious materials not approved by the state.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Costa Mesa may soon support feral cats being caught, fixed and released back onto the city’s streets, a practice that advocates say is critical to curbing feline overpopulation.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
23 Apr. 2026
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In Guerra’s opinion, the initial steps must focus on stabilizing the exchange rate and curbing inflation so that people can begin to feel some economic relief.—
CNN Staff,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Jaguars used their first pick of the NFL draft to land the blocking tight end Friday night, grabbing him in the second round with the 56th selection.—
Mark Long,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The Seahawks stayed put yet again at the end of the second round, grabbing TCU safety Bud Clark with the 64th pick.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The rambling, low-slung building, containing 200 rooms, including 36 suites, is easy to get lost in.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The findings, published in an April 21 study led by University of Florida geologist Amy Williams in the journal Nature, reveal that of the 21 carbon-containing molecules identified, seven were detected for the first time on Mars.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Just before the 2026 season, former Glory defensive tackle and eight-time All-Pro Syreeta Gapelu brought even more attention to the team by tackling and apprehending a man attempting to steal her car.—
PJ Green
April 16,
Kansas City Star,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Los Angeles ran from 2009 to 2023, centered around the high-stakes world of a division of NCIS that is charged with apprehending dangerous and elusive criminals, who pose a threat to the nation’s security.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restraining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraining. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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