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

The lawsuit alleges the pork processors inflated and stabilized the price and supply of pork through the use of Agri Stats, production restraints and the use of exports. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026

Social media is a lot about aesthetic perfection, yet your philosophy is about restraint, aged patina, the imperfection of antiques. — Ingrid Schmidt, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

Apple’s iOS is a clear example; its advantage shows up in daily use, coming less from having every feature than from restraint, cohesion and dependability across thousands of small interactions. — Lorenzo Alvaro, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

The condition of the seat belt webbing and latch may also provide relevant information, and so do load marks, which can support or undercut the claim that the restraint was available and working. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026