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

That’s what the Prophet Muhammad was doing in exhibiting restraint with the angry villagers. — Casper Ter Kuile, Vox, 21 Oct. 2026

Yes, indeed, although voluntary export restraints raise a series of technical issues. — semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2026

On the opposite end of the spectrum, minimalist sneakers offered a lesson in the art of restraint. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

In the United States, the $2 trillion federal budget deficit reflects a collective unwillingness by the country’s political class to impose the taxes and fiscal restraint needed to cover the mounting costs of Social Security and Medicare. — Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 20 Oct. 2026