restraint

Definition of restraintnext
1
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of restraint Warmth matters here, and so does restraint. Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026 Mid-century designs move toward restraint and industrial precision. Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2026 This time, the restraint feels less theoretical. The Ai Insider, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026 Reboulet noticed the restraint. Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
Noun
  • The local school board would decide whether cell phones could be used during after-school activities, and the districts would set their own policies on issues such as discipline for violating the policy, lawmakers said.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Both focus on human achievement, discipline and expression.
    Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Public plans often have more restrictions based on misconduct, but the standard for forfeiture typically relies on a criminal conviction, according to experts.
    Anna Liss-Roy The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 27 Apr. 2026
  • According to Delta's policies, there are no restrictions for flying while pregnant on the airline.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The temperance, abolition, and civil-rights movements in America were all motivated in part by religious convictions.
    Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Then, strong reform and radical movements to abolish slavery and to advocate for world peace, temperance, and women’s suffrage flourished.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • At the same time, Guanipa sought to reassure the audience that opposition leaders remain active inside the country despite risks and repression.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 May 2026
  • Due to its size and the scale/quality of its repression, China stands out here.
    Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Some airlines and independent lounges sell day passes, but availability is often limited due to capacity constraints.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Law said the bill is lacking an education and outreach provision due largely to budget constraints.
    Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • My clients had the nerve to go on and succeed without him.
    Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Sadly, politicians will not have the nerve to enact and enforce such legislation.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • However, the unique culture of our city often overpowers these inhibitions, and the sight of NYPD officers patrolling as modern-day knights on horseback is a reassuring testament to that strength.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Whereas Phoebe lacks inhibitions, Valerie is plagued by them, and the contrasting sitcom formats of Friends (multi-cam) and The Comeback (mockumentary) call for totally different performance styles.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana is acutely aware of the limitations of this right.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The incentive economy seems to face similar limitations.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on restraint

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster