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
Remarkably, state law also severely restrains cities and counties from setting their own regulations, giving local leaders little sway over local gun policies.
—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2026
The result is an economic model that favors producers, restrains consumers, and floods international markets with supercheap exports, including steel, solar panels, and electric vehicles.
—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
3 June 2026
At certain points in the novel, that distance calcifies and restrains his writing.
—
Taran Dugal,
New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2026
And most of the officials agreed that the Fed’s key rate is close to a level that neither stimulates nor restrains the economy.
—
Christopher Rugaber,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
China’s factory deflation eased more than expected in January thanks mostly to a global metals rally, even as weak demand at home restrains a more sustainable turnaround in prices.
—
Bloomberg,
11 Feb. 2026
According to projections made at the December meeting, that’s only about half a percentage point from the committee consensus on the neutral rate, or one that neither supports nor restrains growth.
—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
5 Jan. 2026
There are also possible free speech claims if the law restrains NIL opportunities and interferes with First Amendment freedom of expression.
—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 Dec. 2025
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
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2026
The result is an economic model that favors producers, restrains consumers, and floods international markets with supercheap exports, including steel, solar panels, and electric vehicles.
—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
3 June 2026
At certain points in the novel, that distance calcifies and restrains his writing.
—
Taran Dugal,
New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2026
And most of the officials agreed that the Fed’s key rate is close to a level that neither stimulates nor restrains the economy.
—
Christopher Rugaber,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
China’s factory deflation eased more than expected in January thanks mostly to a global metals rally, even as weak demand at home restrains a more sustainable turnaround in prices.
—
Bloomberg,
11 Feb. 2026
According to projections made at the December meeting, that’s only about half a percentage point from the committee consensus on the neutral rate, or one that neither supports nor restrains growth.
—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
5 Jan. 2026
There are also possible free speech claims if the law restrains NIL opportunities and interferes with First Amendment freedom of expression.
—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 Dec. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrains
Verb
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The move by the Bar Standards Board, which regulates lawyers practicing in England and Wales, is the latest challenge Khan is facing.
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This matters because humans have a direct neural pathway from the eyes to the brain region that regulates the circadian rhythm, our internal biological clock governing wakefulness and sleep.
Verb
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Trump seizes America’s 250th-birthday spotlight, headlining the Great American State Fair, hosting a UFC bout at the White House and promoting new passports, $250 bills and coins bearing his image.
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Ellie brings up the salad and seizes the opportunity to take credit for her part in making lunch.
Verb
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Bar soap contains fatty acids that react with certain minerals, especially those in hard water.
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The report compiled by the Star-Telegram contains data from June 7-13 and 98 inspections.
Verb
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Keith arrests our thinking, and cons us into suppressing our critical faculties with the same kind of internalized surveillance that philosopher Michel Foucault broke down to describe a prison’s use of the panopticon in Discipline and Punish.
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Devlin throws a punch at Stone when the chief arrests him for drunken driving.
Verb
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Estée Lauder's Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation offers buildable coverage in a velvet-soft formula that blurs the look of pores, keeps shine in check, and never feels cakey.
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Dry, chapped lips aren’t just an issue in the winter, so this leave-on lip mask is a nourishing treatment that keeps your lips soft and supple year-round.
Verb
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What actually cuts through and grabs attention nowadays is humanity, clarity and credibility in messaging.
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When Martinez throws something back, the woman rushes toward her, throws her to the ground, grabs her by the hair and repeatedly attacks her as bystanders try to step in and help.
Verb
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China controls roughly 90% of the global bismuth supply.
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Well, first, yes, Iran controls the strait.
Verb
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John Early, as anyone encountering his work soon apprehends, chooses the latter.
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Though the team immediately apprehends a suspect, the Marshals end up taking criticism from both sides.
Cite this Entry
“Restrains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrains. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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