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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restraint
So far, the offseason moves conducted by the Cowboys have presented a team with financial restraint despite the busting the budget comment by Jones.
—
Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
Even as Iran expands attacks across the Persian Gulf, several of the countries directly targeted are still refusing to join the fight against Iran, opting instead for restraint and diplomacy.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Perhaps even a kind of ethical restraint.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026
This means that a more cautious restraint strategy can be safely used, the study authors conclude.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
Even as Iran expands attacks across the Persian Gulf, several of the countries directly targeted are still refusing to join the fight against Iran, opting instead for restraint and diplomacy.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Perhaps even a kind of ethical restraint.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026
This means that a more cautious restraint strategy can be safely used, the study authors conclude.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
Noun
-
Profar also intended to ask the MLBPA to file a grievance to appeal any discipline earlier this month.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The deal offers Tesla owners 50% off every mile driven using Full Self-Driving technology and does not sacrifice underwriting discipline.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Adam Schwartz, privacy litigation director with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said California lawmakers created the restrictions to ensure stronger safeguards over how the data is used.—
Nina Burns,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Southern towns roll out alcohol bans and new restrictions.—
,
FOXNews.com,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In the case of Steve Jobs, his incredible strength in transcendence tips into excess because it is not supported by other dimensions of character, such as patience, calm, and self-regulation that come from temperance, and the humility and humanity to see other points of view.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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On a single day in 1900, a former schoolteacher destroyed three saloons using bricks, rocks, and a billiard ball—all to advance the cause of temperance.—
The Atlantic Science Desk,
The Atlantic,
27 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
How to change things The level of political repression in this state has reached unprecedented levels.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Mar. 2026
-
January's wave of protests in Iran was sparked by economic discontent and eventually widened to encompass more generalized fury over the regime's system of repression.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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From Europe to the Indo-Pacific, governments are signaling reluctance to be drawn into direct military action, instead emphasizing diplomacy, legal constraints or limited defensive contributions.—
Ashley Carnahan,
FOXNews.com,
17 Mar. 2026
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This is a promising debut for Goldman, who has found a way to take the more limited constraints of his short and to give it the purpose and time to thrive.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
If nerves flare, breathe slowly, and choose progress over perfection.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
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The team principal told the press that the new power unit was causing vibrations so fierce that neither of his drivers could physically complete a race, with Alonso able to handle 25 laps behind the wheel of the car and Stroll 15 laps before potentially suffering permanent nerve damage.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Metallica plays on the stereo while Garcia and Huerta operate like two rock stars with no inhibitions in the kitchen.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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The blow keeps you awake and the alcohol lowers your inhibitions.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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There are plenty of free VPN offerings on the market, but most come with strict usage limitations, and some compromise on data privacy.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
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This time, Petzold addresses its limitations.—
Holden Seidlitz,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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