1
as in discipline
the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others
it will take a great deal of restraint to keep from telling her how ugly that dress is
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2
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice
civil libertarians contend that the new laws place too many restraints on our constitutionally guaranteed rights
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3
as in temperance
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
he shows very little restraint or tact when expressing his opinions about others
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restraint
In addition to freeing the motors and battery from all restraint, Velocity Max delivers launch control for ultimate straight-line performance.
—
Mark Phelan, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025
Max’s death later prompted changes to California law that banned the use of prone restraint on students.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Consumers Union, a nonprofit watchdog organization (now Consumer Reports) published results of crash tests of 15 child safety restraints.
—Time, 5 Aug. 2025
The law also requires children between age 5 and 8 who are under four feet nine inches tall to use appropriate child restraint systems, such as booster seats.
—Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Mark Phelan, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025
Max’s death later prompted changes to California law that banned the use of prone restraint on students.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Consumers Union, a nonprofit watchdog organization (now Consumer Reports) published results of crash tests of 15 child safety restraints.
—Time, 5 Aug. 2025
The law also requires children between age 5 and 8 who are under four feet nine inches tall to use appropriate child restraint systems, such as booster seats.
—Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
Noun
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Kobe Bryant’s greatness was the product of preparation, discipline, and the right mindset.—
True Tamplin,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
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Senate Bill 37 requires public colleges and universities to abolish their faculty associations as currently structured and gives the chancellors and trustees more power over faculty discipline, hiring and curriculum.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Moon Alert: After 2 a.m. EDT, there are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
23 Aug. 2025
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The determination comes after months of warnings by aid groups that Israel’s restrictions of food and other aid into Gaza, and its military offensive, were causing starvation among Palestinian civilians, particularly children.—
Sam Mednick,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
For example, someone with high drive and low temperance may experience burnout arising from a relentless pursuit of perfection.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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Her followers marched in drinking institutions and demanded change and many of the disgruntled or bullied patrons signed statements of temperance.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 May 2025
Noun
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While past presidents, including Barack Obama, maintained a cautious distance from Lukashenko—whose 31-year rule has been marked by repression and international isolation—Trump has opted for warmer ties.—
Hannah Parry
Amanda Castro
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
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The regime turns the former leper hospital into a place of death, where the prisoners are subjected to repression in a place of astounding beauty.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Upon their return to the Capitol on Monday, House Speaker Dustin Burrows ordered constraints put on their movements.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
20 Aug. 2025
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Budgeting For Reality Over 30% of IBM’s study respondents revealed that budgeting constraints were an obstacle in getting their projects from demo to market.—
Dr. Jason Corso,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
She's gotten to the end of these big tournaments, but the nerves have got in the way.—
Adam Zagoria,
Forbes.com,
23 Aug. 2025
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Ritter suffered from nerve damage and post-traumatic stress disorder after fighting in World War I.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
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That May Stave Off Disease Alzheimer's: Scientists Discover What Sparks Disease Arthritis Treatment Reduces Painful Flare-Ups, Slows Disease Illustration representing inhibition of protein complex 'mTORC1' by rapamycin leading to immunosuppression for a tumor.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
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The most recognizable symptoms are a loss of social inhibition, inappropriate behavior, and lack of self-care.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Weight limitations: Glass cooktops often have specific weight limits, and using multiple cast-iron pans may exceed those limits.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
18 Aug. 2025
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Disabilities exist on a spectrum that includes temporary and situational limitations that affect every single user at some point.—
Sowmya Hariharan,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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