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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restraint
Let that be your motivation for restraint the next time you’re tempted to splurge on a latte.
—
Jonathan Zeller, New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2026
But in May 2025, citing budget restraints, Newsom slashed the state’s first-year commitment to just $10 million for fiscal year 2025-26, with no future state funding guaranteed.
—Calmatters, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 2026
The art of restraint Western brands entering China, especially its high-security capital city of Beijing, have long had to straddle a fine line between local marketing ambitions and reputational risks to the brand back home.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2026
Yet what stands out most about Leyes is his restraint.
—Wyles Daniel, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Jonathan Zeller, New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2026
But in May 2025, citing budget restraints, Newsom slashed the state’s first-year commitment to just $10 million for fiscal year 2025-26, with no future state funding guaranteed.
—Calmatters, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 2026
The art of restraint Western brands entering China, especially its high-security capital city of Beijing, have long had to straddle a fine line between local marketing ambitions and reputational risks to the brand back home.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2026
Yet what stands out most about Leyes is his restraint.
—Wyles Daniel, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
Noun
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Eberflus’ best intentions and vision for winning football disintegrated due in part to his team’s lack of discipline and the coaching staff’s inability to steer out of even the smallest skids.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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However, the Chinese researchers argue that those systems typically focus on fewer disciplines and often require manual adjustments when expanded.—
Kapil Kajal,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Later that month, a judge lifted the restriction and ordered that Hildebrandt must put $100,000 from the potential sale in a bank account for the children, according to ABC7.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
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Local blackout restrictions for Marlins would be eliminated in that scenario.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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
-
The financial incentive for airports and airlines to serve alcohol precludes temperance as a solution.—
Thomas Black,
Twin Cities,
21 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Iran’s spiraling anti-government protests have been driven by widespread anger over political repression and economic hardship, including rising inflation.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
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In the wake of Maduro’s capture — with repression continuing, prisoners still behind bars and Venezuela’s future being negotiated around oil and power — Ramírez sees the film as both testimony and warning.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Researchers say the work could dramatically expand the range of treatable cancers and genetic diseases by overcoming long-standing data and technical constraints in gene therapy.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
13 Jan. 2026
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Space constraints could curtail the installation of a comfortably sized concourse, and who’s going to pay for stadium maintenance?—
Ben Bolch,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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His brands, including Juicy Fruit and Spearmint, promoted gum as a way to calm nerves, curb hunger and stay focused.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
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What's more, these effects also support brain health4, as the gut and brain are connected through a network of nerves called the gut-brain axis.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Most of those seeds require some bit of cold weather exposure or other mitigating factor to overcome the inhibition and set the stage for a more sensible spring germination.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
21 Nov. 2025
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The key is to relax, let go of your inhibitions, and just have fun.—
Kimberly Zapata,
Parents,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Critical mineral The research team also revealed that the Graphite is classified as a critical mineral in the United States because of its use in essential manufacturing combined with the limitations caused by its offshore supply chain.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Jan. 2026
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That limitation is the reason why a demand letter from attorneys was sent to the courts Friday, putting them on notice.—
Ubah Ali,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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