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
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
In the video, one young man can be seen repeatedly beating an individual lying on the ground while another suspect gripped the victim’s foot, restraining him in place.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 11 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
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
In the video, one young man can be seen repeatedly beating an individual lying on the ground while another suspect gripped the victim’s foot, restraining him in place.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 11 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
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The Kings came into the night already controlling its path to the postseason, and Nashville’s 4-1 loss at Utah on Thursday created breathing room.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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But by the Vietnam War, controlling visuals had become much more difficult.—
Geoff Brumfiel,
NPR,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Game warden testifies about arresting Horner Texas Game Warden Josh Espinoza was the first witness to testify on Wednesday morning.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
-
This granted local police the right to assist immigration officials in arresting and detaining unauthorized immigrants.—
Menika Dirkson,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Victor Felix, 4th Ward, suggested conducting a survey to determine the public’s attitude on regulating plastic bags.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2026
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The new atlas, published March 11 in the scientific journal Cell, details the ways in which genome structure, gene activity and methylation (a biochemical mechanism for regulating gene expression) change across eight brain regions and 36 brain cell types.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Her business is seizing the moment as AI radically transforms workflows, including that of lawyers, but her initial passion for the career came much earlier in life.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
5 Apr. 2026
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Targeting property Iran’s judiciary has begun seizing the property of public figures critical of the country’s rulers, under an anti-espionage law approved during last year’s 12-day war with Israel that punishes media and cultural activities deemed to support Iran’s enemies.—
Amir-Hussein Radjy,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The format was designed, in part, with the aim of curbing tanking.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2026
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Ukraine’s moves are aimed at curbing Russian export revenue at a time when global energy prices have rallied because of the war in the Middle East.—
Bloomberg,
Fortune,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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He is then seen slowly approaching the victim, checking his surroundings, and removing his shoes before grabbing her from behind.—
Ana Maria Soler,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
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Reaves, meanwhile, spent much of the first quarter grabbing at his back.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Investigators also recovered a bloodstained rock, clothing and bags allegedly containing medical supplies tied to the defendant.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2026
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For the first time, paleontologists have discovered a 250-million-year-old fossil egg containing an embryo of a mammal ancestor.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Fort Worth police officer Bobbie Sanchez, who was elbowed in the jaw while apprehending a suspect, told the Star-Telegram there was not a single oral surgeon in the city’s network who could treat her injuries, which delayed her recovery.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Mar. 2026
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That process has effectively scared many people away from filling out paperwork to recertify with Medi-Cal due to fears of being outed by the federal government, which is cracking down on undocumented immigrants by apprehending and deporting them.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
22 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restraining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraining. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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