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
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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
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
Reyes was placed in plastic hand restraints, but slipped out of them.
—
Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Set the scene Sexy without being pretentious and bold without the brashness, Il Sereno is a lesson in artful restraint.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
At times, that restraint can make the record feel more textural and ambient, lingering to the point of near suffocation.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2026
Instead, architect Jakob Sprenger and creative director Antonia Crespí use those familiar materials with restraint in the space within the popular Alpina Gstaad Hotel.
—Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Set the scene Sexy without being pretentious and bold without the brashness, Il Sereno is a lesson in artful restraint.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
At times, that restraint can make the record feel more textural and ambient, lingering to the point of near suffocation.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2026
Instead, architect Jakob Sprenger and creative director Antonia Crespí use those familiar materials with restraint in the space within the popular Alpina Gstaad Hotel.
—Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
Noun
-
Historically, the difference has come down to political discipline, institutional credibility, and the absence of an external shock.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
2 June 2026
-
Women’s sports were not created because women lacked talent, discipline or courage.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Due to safety concerns, the age restriction for overwater villa stays is 13 and up, though parents or guardians can sign a waiver upon booking.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
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The next collective bargaining agreement will include either a salary cap, closing the sport’s Free Spending Saloon, or other payroll restrictions that would have a similarly sobering effect.—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
1 June 2026
Noun
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Moral judgments like these became part of the school curriculum in the late 19th century, as the temperance movement gained momentum toward its goal of total abstinence.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
3 May 2026
-
The temperance, abolition, and civil-rights movements in America were all motivated in part by religious convictions.—
Luis Parrales,
The Atlantic,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This repression sparked years of protests and widened the divide between his government and the public, ultimately leading to his resignation.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
-
According to recent polling by the firm Meganálisis, Rodríguez continues to face deeply negative approval ratings, with many Venezuelans still associating the interim government with corruption, repression and economic collapse linked to the final years of Chavismo.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Set the scene In the heart of the city’s museum quarter, this property is an ideal spot for tourists without budget constraints.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Data center capacity constraints, over-reliance on OpenAI and a Copilot assistant that trails rivals have challenged Microsoft’s early lead.—
Sebastian Herrera,
Fortune,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
The injuries led to a degenerative nerve condition that eventually required the amputation of his right leg.—
Noah Daly
June 2,
Idaho Statesman,
2 June 2026
-
Andreeva won that too, just as Baptiste was threatening to force a deciding set that would have tested her nerve.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Amy Lawrence pointed out that, while Arsenal possess that type of player, there is a level of inhibition.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
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Alcohol relieves social inhibition.—
Jonathan Avery,
STAT,
11 May 2026
Noun
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However, the new deduction limitation on top-earning individuals now applies to trusts and estates, according to a footnote in the Joint Committee on Taxation's recent tax explainer, better known as the Bluebook.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
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And much of the export revenue upside isn’t actually reaching the Kremlin’s coffers, because the limitations on fuel exports have forced the government to pay billions of dollars in compensation to refinery owners.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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