1
as in regulates
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in seizes
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
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 restrains
An 1878 law known as the Posse Comitatus Act generally restrains the use of the military for such purposes.
—
Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2025
In the footage, a Border Patrol agent is shown holding one man with his forearm across a man’s neck – and later, an FHP officer restrains the man who is tased, grabbing him around the neck area while the man is doubled down.
—Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2025
That line of reasoning is intended to assert that NASCAR promotes, not restrains, competition in the marketplace and has created a product very popular with fans, sponsors and TV networks.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019
Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2025
In the footage, a Border Patrol agent is shown holding one man with his forearm across a man’s neck – and later, an FHP officer restrains the man who is tased, grabbing him around the neck area while the man is doubled down.
—Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2025
That line of reasoning is intended to assert that NASCAR promotes, not restrains, competition in the marketplace and has created a product very popular with fans, sponsors and TV networks.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrains
Verb
-
By using pollen to reflect more of the energy, the camellia microgel regulates skin temperature, keeping it about 9 degrees Fahrenheit cooler for around 20 minutes.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Schultz, a medical doctor, has helped run the agency that regulates the county’s emergency medical care system for about six years.—
Tony Saavedra,
Oc Register,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Suddenly, the Thursday Murder Club seizes an opportunity and leaps from the cold case realm into a very hot murder investigation.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
-
During a physical confrontation, Matheo forces Saskia to retreat, and Sylvie seizes the opportunity to grab Saskia’s gun.—
Time,
Time,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Eggplant also contains small amounts of vitamins C, K and B6.—
Bethany Thayer,
Freep.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
This article contains spoilers for Splitsville.—
Sydney Bucksbaum,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
As fans scramble to catch the ball, footage shows, the ball appears to land one row in front of a woman while a man runs over and grabs it.—
Chandelis Duster,
NPR,
7 Sep. 2025
-
With City’s left-back, Matheus Nunes, moving out of position to press Mainoo, Ugarte’s involvement grabs the attention of Ilkay Gundogan and Josko Gvardiol.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The strategy keeps more resources available in the short term than if the buyer had paid for the home in full up front.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The elevated surface also keeps your pet off the ground, which can be ideal for keeping them clean while outside.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Suppose the number is read in one case out of a hundred, and that the information reaches someone who apprehends the culprit in one case out of one thousand.—
Thomas Brewster,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Users may believe their chats are private, but in many cases, the company controls how the information is stored, shared or even sold.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Blue Frontier is commercializing the technology by integrating it into its Dedicated Outdoor Air System, a 20-ton unit installed in Florida, which controls temperature and humidity while operating primarily during periods of solar photovoltaic production.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The play is set in the real-life town of Lumpkin, whose economy has become reliant on a private prison that detains immigrants.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restrains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrains. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share