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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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
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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
Never a forward accused of timidness, his offside restraint is not down to any reluctance to make surging runs in behind.
—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
That sort of attention to detail is what separates a Universal or Disney coaster from so much of the industry — even if riders will be clutching their restraints too hard to notice the discrepancies in each car’s engine roar.
—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
The pilot managed to release his seat restraints, open a cargo door, deploy his emergency parachute and jump as the plane spiraled into a field, the report said.
—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
23 June 2026
The collection’s balance between playfulness and restraint reminds me of Oh’s wordplay in the collection.
—
Literary Hub,
12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
24 June 2026
That sort of attention to detail is what separates a Universal or Disney coaster from so much of the industry — even if riders will be clutching their restraints too hard to notice the discrepancies in each car’s engine roar.
—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
23 June 2026
The pilot managed to release his seat restraints, open a cargo door, deploy his emergency parachute and jump as the plane spiraled into a field, the report said.
—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
23 June 2026
The collection’s balance between playfulness and restraint reminds me of Oh’s wordplay in the collection.
—
Literary Hub,
12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
Noun
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The conversation was no longer focused on accessibility as a discipline.
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These are professionals who have spent years working alongside some of the best filmmakers in the world and who bring an extraordinary level of expertise, discipline and problem solving to every production.
Noun
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Last week, the UK government banned social media for under-16s starting next year, modeling its restrictions on those set by the Australian government in December.
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Some of the restrictions were partially or fully reversed after public backlash and court challenges.
Noun
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In the winter of 1920, the United States entered Prohibition in the United States after years of campaigning by temperance groups who believed alcohol sat at the root of many social ills.
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Another was promoting temperance realizing alcoholism could destroy families.
Noun
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Advertisement Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership had been battling public anger over economic stress and state repression before the conflict.
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In occupied territories, Russian authorities have repeatedly used repression of religion to impose political control, weaken Ukrainian identity, and force communities into structures loyal to Moscow.
Noun
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Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington are included in the states opting out, with the majority citing budget constraints in their reasoning.
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However, the dream of fully sovereign AI inevitably runs up against hard constraints around compute, capital, and energy.
Noun
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And yet Corfino tried to calm my nerves.
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The splint came off around day five, which was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
Noun
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The little people are being menaced by a dark force—a force with power, money, and very few moral inhibitions.
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Shrug off inhibitions and break the ice as the moon and Uranus harmonize.
Noun
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The evidence suggests helping people with physical and cognitive limitations stay home costs states less than the alternative, which is nursing home care.
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The only limitation to implementing produce market pop-ups or deliveries in Baltimore is funding.
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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