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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrains
Verb
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Like other Gazans, many Christians in the enclave say their lives have long been overshadowed by a cycle of wars with Israel and an Israeli-Egyptian blockade that tightly regulates travel and commerce.—
Aaron Boxerman,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2024 -
The Federal Aviation Administration regulates drones and light shows and permitted the Holiday Drone Show at Lake Eola on Saturday.—
Natalia Jaramillo,
Orlando Sentinel,
22 Dec. 2024
Verb
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But the problem, experts say, is that sewage today contains a host of chemicals, including PFAS, generated by businesses, factories and homes.—
Hiroko Tabuchi,
New York Times,
27 Dec. 2024
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Products, like Latisse—which contains an ingredient called Prostaglandin—were specially formulated to help lashes grow long.—
Lorena Meouchi,
Vogue,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Vito, seething and remorseless, grabs at control relentlessly; Frank, in no mood to fight, tries to cede it graciously, resulting in a lopsided tug-of-war.—
Justin Chang,
The New Yorker,
21 Mar. 2025
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Curtis Rowe scores 19 points and Sidney Wicks adds 17 points and grabs 18 rebounds to lead UCLA to an 80-69 victory over Jacksonville for its fourth consecutive NCAA basketball championship.—
Austin Knoblauch,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The film keeps us confined to Linda’s apartment, only occasionally breaking to bring us out onto the roof, the New York City afternoon (and eventually nighttime) backdrop a soothing balm to claustrophobia.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
27 Jan. 2025
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While other shows would have wasted no time to set them up as a romantic couple, Mythic Quest keeps them as platonic friends while still managing to explore deep interpersonal issues.—
Joel Thayer,
Newsweek,
27 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Restrains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrains. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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