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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restraint
Stoic, steady under pressure, and with an unflinching gaze that does most of the talking for him, Chris has no patience for hypocrisy or cruelty and holds fast to a quiet moral code rooted in fairness and restraint.
—
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026
Social media reacted with its usual grace and thoughtful, nonpartisan restraint.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
An Associated Press investigation found ICE used the restraints on detainees for hours, sometimes improperly to intimidate those seeking legal counsel.
—Jason Dearen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Today, Jacquemus has expanded its shoe lineup to include everything from barely-there strappy sandals to sleek leather boots, each maintaining the label’s signature blend of whimsy and restraint.
—Shelby Comroe, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026
Social media reacted with its usual grace and thoughtful, nonpartisan restraint.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
An Associated Press investigation found ICE used the restraints on detainees for hours, sometimes improperly to intimidate those seeking legal counsel.
—Jason Dearen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026
Today, Jacquemus has expanded its shoe lineup to include everything from barely-there strappy sandals to sleek leather boots, each maintaining the label’s signature blend of whimsy and restraint.
—Shelby Comroe, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
Noun
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Data discipline allows organizations to connect real-time industrial conditions to enterprise workflows, making sure decisions are based on trustworthy and contextual information.—
William Jones,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
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His lack of messaging discipline has been on display after concerns about high costs of living helped propel Democratic wins around the country on Election Day last November.—
Will Weissert,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Beijing has balked at any restrictions on its smaller but growing nuclear arsenal and denies carrying out such a nuclear test.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
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In September, a state appeals court ordered Huntington Beach to update its housing element within 120 days and allowed state regulators to impose restrictions on the city’s control over permitting and development in the meantime.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In the case of Steve Jobs, his incredible strength in transcendence tips into excess because it is not supported by other dimensions of character, such as patience, calm, and self-regulation that come from temperance, and the humility and humanity to see other points of view.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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On a single day in 1900, a former schoolteacher destroyed three saloons using bricks, rocks, and a billiard ball—all to advance the cause of temperance.—
The Atlantic Science Desk,
The Atlantic,
27 Dec. 2025
Noun
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According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a group that focuses on reporting repressions in Iran, over 6,000 have been confirmed dead and over 17,000 deaths are under investigation.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
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This practice dates back to the Soviet period but resurfaced as political repression increased after Putin’s return to the presidency in 2012.—
Elizaveta Gaufman,
The Conversation,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Ongoing trend Ukraine and Russia aren't alone in experiencing declining fertility and birth rates — the trend can be seen in a variety of European and Asia countries — and the decreases can be down to several factors, from career and lifestyle choices to economic constraints.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
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Power constraints and potential grid equipment shortages are set to delay 30% to 50% of data center projects in 2026, as some hyperscalers weigh the benefits of pursuing on-site power generation instead, a new Sightline report found.—
Natasha Bracken,
semafor.com,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Tracy was at a bridal shower with the game pulled up on her phone, hands shaking from the nerves.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
24 Feb. 2026
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Eventually, the blood stops flowing entirely, which can result in tissue death and nerve damage—that’s compartment syndrome.—
Claire Maldarelli,
Scientific American,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The inhibition system is triggered by the possibility of punishment.—
Amy Cuddy,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
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In a race to find out who caused this marital mayhem, emotions will be high, inhibitions will be low, and everyone will have access to an open bar.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Given the company’s culture, some outside commentators have speculated that at least some Anthropic staff will resign if the company gives in to Hegseth’s demands and drops the limitations currently built into its government contracts.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
26 Feb. 2026
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This is one of the limitations in the value of customer feedback, both Vana and Flynn say.—
James Doubek,
NPR,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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