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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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restraint
In every one of these Thomas McGuane stories, something is going to be very wrong and yet probably hilarious—existential slapstick in ventriloquial voices with such precise language and restraint that his sentences will literally shine up off the page.
—
Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
The party, which was formed in 2010, shares Takaichi’s hardline approach to national security and immigration, in contrast with Komeito’s more pacifist restraint.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 21 Oct. 2025
Advocacy groups and legal representatives expressed concern over the use of restraints on minors, the transparency of the operation, and how long children were separated from family members.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
To share the healing land with tenderness and restraint.
—Stephen Trimble, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
The party, which was formed in 2010, shares Takaichi’s hardline approach to national security and immigration, in contrast with Komeito’s more pacifist restraint.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 21 Oct. 2025
Advocacy groups and legal representatives expressed concern over the use of restraints on minors, the transparency of the operation, and how long children were separated from family members.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
To share the healing land with tenderness and restraint.
—Stephen Trimble, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
Noun
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The situation could result in potential discipline for the Ravens, ranging from fines or loss of draft picks to possible suspensions if the NFL determines a serious violation occurred.—
Cole Sullivan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Oct. 2025
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Her take on ballet barre classes blend the discipline with Pilates and yoga principles, and is designed to develop a strong, muscular physique while strengthening the core with balance, grounding and breathing techniques.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
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On the table before the two leaders, who met at Busan’s Gimhae Air Base, were a range of thorny issues including tariffs, China’s sweeping export controls on rare earths, US restrictions on Chinese access to American high-tech, and China’s role in the illicit fentanyl trade.—
Betsy Klein,
CNN Money,
30 Oct. 2025
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As a result, the number of participants in the Miss Universe pageant fluctuates year after year based on certain franchising restrictions and changes.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Indiana is staunchly conservative, but its Republicans tend to foster a deliberate temperance.—
Isabella Volmert,
Fortune,
26 Oct. 2025
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The temperance movement, which aimed to reduce alcohol use, gained steam in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
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If pushback fails now, whether through courts, through Congress or through public protest, the bulwark that exists between national security and political repression may collapse entirely.—
Jason M. Blazakis,
Mercury News,
18 Oct. 2025
-
History’s rhythm is steady—accusation, repression, regret.—
Alexis Coe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Historically, there hasn’t been a cost-effective way to make donation work over dumping, and while companies want to do the right thing, the financial constraints prevent them from doing so.—
Andre Claudio,
Sourcing Journal,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Alternatively, the ratio could reflect a fundamental constraint on heat exchange.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Both ends of the leash will simply enjoy having people pet the therapy dog, chat with the handler, try to calm their nerves before running their big race, and, hopefully, have a significant, measurable feeling of relaxation.—
Kelli Bender,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
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All the while, Yelchin, Stewart, Alia Shawkat, and Imogen Poots imbue their disparate characters with inner lives that make each successive shock that much more nerve-fraying.—
Dennis Perkins,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The key is to relax, let go of your inhibitions, and just have fun.—
Kimberly Zapata,
Parents,
17 Oct. 2025
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On-demand male contraception via acute inhibition of soluble adenylyl cyclase.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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China’s newest aircraft carrier may only be able to conduct air operations at about 60% the rate of a 50-year-old US Navy carrier, two former US carrier officers say, a substantial combat limitation for a vessel meant to revolutionize Beijing’s fleet.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
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The growing demand for sustainable transport, combined with the limitations of public infrastructure, has made personal electric vehicles—particularly e-scooters—a common choice for modern commuters.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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