Synonyms of restraint

restraint

noun

ri-ˈstrānt 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• discipline
• repression
• inhibition
• suppression
• composure
• constraint
• self-control
• discretion
• self-restraint
• reserve
• possession
• refrainment
• control
• continence
• self-command
• mastery
• self-discipline
• willpower
• silence
• distance
• will
• modesty
• reticence
• aloofness
• command
• self-mastery
• self-denial
• bashfulness
• self-government
• self-censorship
• self-containment
• taciturnity
• self-possession
• shyness
• detachedness
• self-poise

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incontinence
• disinhibition
• indulgence
• gratification
• unconstraint
• frankness
• candor
• overindulgence
• bluntness
• uninhibitedness
• intemperance
• self-abandonment
• unrestrainedness
• self-indulgence
• immoderacy

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restriction
• constraint
• limitation
• curb
• condition
• prohibition
• exception
• stricture
• circumscription
• check
• stipulation
• fetter
• ban
• qualification
• reservation
• proviso
• strings
• proscription

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• freedom
• latitude

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• temperance
• nerve
• determination
• self-control
• composure
• self-discipline
• willpower
• self-restraint
• will
• discipline
• temperateness
• confidence
• self-mastery
• self-government
• self-possession
• continence
• self-containment
• self-command
• assurance
• moderation
• mastery
• control
• forbearance
• avoidance
• abnegation
• self-abnegation
• abstention
• self-denial
• equanimity
• soberness
• abstinence
• moderateness
• sobriety
• poise
• coolness
• discretion
• command
• eschewal
• self-confidence
• aplomb

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indulgence
• gratification
• excessiveness
• overindulgence
• intemperance
• failing
• weakness
• vice
• self-indulgence
• shortcoming
• feebleness
• fault
• frailty
• demerit
• foible
• unrestraint
• indiscipline
• intemperateness
• immoderacy
• unconstraint
• unreserve
• unreservedness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of restraint

For all its characteristic restraint and formal diligence, Killing Spree is a book that wants to make noise, to cut through the dead air with cries of grief and rage, undoing our own savage torpor. — Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026

The video quickly sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many viewers expressing relief that the ride's safety restraints appeared to do their job despite the frightening ordeal. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Minnesota officials, immigration lawyers and others alleged the conditions within the building were deplorable, citing a surfeit of beds and bathroom facilities, leg restraints for detainees and barriers to accessing legal aid. — Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026

Stevens is running almost a mirror campaign, one rooted in her technocratic experience in Barack Obama’s administration and pragmatic restraint. — Philip Elliott, Time, 3 Aug. 2026