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
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
But restraining a president’s war powers is something lawmakers past and present have rarely been able to accomplish.
—ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
The lawsuit sought a temporary restraining order preventing the board and Cavin from taking any further action in their cases, as well as an injunction restraining Cavin and the board from discriminating against, or retaliating against, Mejia and Smith.
—Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 27 Feb. 2026
This struggle creates a tension that keeps the whole system in equilibrium, restraining those who would abuse their authority.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 26 Feb. 2026
Police say no wrong-doing The City of North Miami Beach and its police department have maintained their officers followed policy and restraining Falcinelli was for his own protection.
—Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
Officers smashed open their window with a weapon before pulling them out and restraining them.
—Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
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
But restraining a president’s war powers is something lawmakers past and present have rarely been able to accomplish.
—ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
The lawsuit sought a temporary restraining order preventing the board and Cavin from taking any further action in their cases, as well as an injunction restraining Cavin and the board from discriminating against, or retaliating against, Mejia and Smith.
—Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 27 Feb. 2026
This struggle creates a tension that keeps the whole system in equilibrium, restraining those who would abuse their authority.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 26 Feb. 2026
Police say no wrong-doing The City of North Miami Beach and its police department have maintained their officers followed policy and restraining Falcinelli was for his own protection.
—Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
Officers smashed open their window with a weapon before pulling them out and restraining them.
—Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraining
Verb
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Those areas, Close explained, include taking care of the ball, being efficient with passes and dribbles, having a passion and urgency to make hustle plays, and controlling the glass.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Protect your home by removing decaying wood, controlling moisture, and cleaning gutters and overgrowth.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Casa Malca remains one of the most visually arresting addresses right on the beach, with 70 suites.—
Gina Góngora,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Our Top Picks Nordic Knots’s elegant Scandinavian style (and penchant for arresting patterns) have made their rugs a hot commodity among design lovers like the AD team since their inception in 2016.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Instead of regulating the private sector, the government is simply regulating itself.—
Howard Dvorkin,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Mar. 2026
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Vianna also noted the importance of further regulating the internet to stop the rapid circulation of misogynistic content.—
Eléonore Hughes,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Ukraine accused Hungary’s pro-Russian government of taking the Ukrainians hostage and illegally seizing millions of dollars in cash.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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The same thing happened in Saturday’s 3-2 win at Newcastle, with O’Brien seizing on Dan Burn’s clearing header.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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State lawmakers recently introduced measures aimed at curbing the ease and frequency of which investors can buy California homes, including one measure that would limit tax loopholes that large corporations and investment firms often use to buy single-family homes.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Mar. 2026
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With Americans facing a housing affordability crunch, lawmakers from both parties are advancing rival bills aimed at curbing institutional investors' purchases of single-family homes.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Wembanyama had back-to-back dunks in the second quarter, including grabbing his own miss and throwing it down for what became a three-point play on a foul by Javonte Green.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
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Brigham is also charged with assaulting a man by grabbing and twisting his genitals.—
Julia Coin,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Its floor is nearly entirely covered in dark, mineral-rich rock — known as mafic material — containing magnesium, iron and minerals such as pyroxine and olivine.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
6 Mar. 2026
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Court documents show Farah conducted surveillance on the juror and their home, sent a map of where the juror parked and drove a co-defendant to deliver a gift bag containing $120,000 in cash.—
Beret Leone,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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An immigration approach that focuses on apprehending dangerous criminals and steers clear of raiding businesses might help the labor market’s loss of workers.—
Matt Peterson,
CNBC,
6 Mar. 2026
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Federal agents have targeted schools and bus stops, apprehending adults and children.—
Daniel Cueto-Villalobos,
The Conversation,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restraining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraining. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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