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
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Recent Examples of restrains
Video shows the moment an officer in camouflage and tactical gear approaches an individual, after which another officer tackles the person, restrains them with plastic handcuffs, and leads them away.
—
Hanna Park, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
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
Hanna Park, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrains
Verb
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Bifidobacterium boosts the immune system, balances inflammation, regulates metabolism and helps to digest certain carbohydrates and dietary fibers.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
1 Oct. 2025
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Water regulates body temperature and lubricates your joints.—
Rebecca Valdez,
Verywell Health,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Continue reading … DRUG WAR VICTORY – Task force seizes enough cocaine 'to kill every American' in record efforts.—
,
FOXNews.com,
30 Sep. 2025
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Against her will, Fadia becomes trapped in an asylum while her cousin seizes her inheritance, depriving her of even her right to grieve.—
Jenny S. Li,
Variety,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Known to relieve nausea and bloating, ginger contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
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Raw dog food typically contains human-grade meat and vegetables, and it has been linked to improved digestion for canines.—
Lex Goldstein,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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When virtual particle pairs pop into existence at the edge of black holes, sometimes the black hole’s gravity grabs one partner while the other escapes.—
Dipangkar Dutta,
The Conversation,
3 Oct. 2025
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When Catalina goes into the kitchen to refill her calabash, Frances grabs the box of Thompson paperbacks and makes a run for Ray at the restaurant.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The result is a smooth airflow that keeps the parachute steady and its descent highly predictable, even under varying conditions.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Oct. 2025
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September’s Feel-Good Food Plan will be hosted by cookbook author Casey Elsass, who is sharing the dish that keeps him connected to community during the holiday season.—
Millie Peartree,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
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Melatonin is a natural hormone produced in the body by the brain’s pineal gland which partially controls the sleep-wake cycle.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
4 Oct. 2025
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But if the president controls the FCC, will speech be free?—
Erin Mansfield,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Pinault family owns 42 percent of shares in Kering and detains 59 percent of voting rights.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
9 Sep. 2025
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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 8 Oct. 2025.
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