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
The News World capitals reacted to the surprise US attack on Iranian nuclear sites with a mix of calls for restraint and statements of condemnation.
—
Claire Cameron, semafor.com, 22 June 2025
As the world reacted to news of U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, international officials largely responded with alarm and calls for restraint — though some expressed praise.
—Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 22 June 2025
On one hand, progressives are pushing for restraint, wary of escalation; on the other, moderates fear looking weak on national security.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
A little early-season restraint could go a long way.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Claire Cameron, semafor.com, 22 June 2025
As the world reacted to news of U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, international officials largely responded with alarm and calls for restraint — though some expressed praise.
—Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 22 June 2025
On one hand, progressives are pushing for restraint, wary of escalation; on the other, moderates fear looking weak on national security.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
A little early-season restraint could go a long way.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
Noun
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This kind of discipline builds clarity, momentum and trust.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
-
Portes, formerly of DePaul, took over as chair in 2024 and has overhauled the school’s undergraduate theater program, with plans to gradually grow the graduate acting cohorts and other disciplines.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
In April, the Trump administration implemented new regulations that blocked sales of Nvidia’s H20 AI chip, which had been designed to comply with earlier restrictions.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
26 June 2025
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Typically, if fire restrictions are in place or a Red Flag Day is in effect, no fireworks of any kind are allowed.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
25 June 2025
Noun
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Having unexpectedly come into a fortune when her husband died last season, Ada is putting her inheritance to use backing settlement houses and, to the horror of her sister Agnes, the temperance movement.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
23 June 2025
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After all, this lakeside community — home to Northwestern University — was the epicenter of the American temperance movement.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
23 June 2025
Noun
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This was not just a strike on a symbol of repression.—
Siamak Namazi,
Time,
25 June 2025
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Human rights groups have also warned that near-total internet blackouts across Iran can be used as a tool of repression, blocking the population from sharing information with the outside world.—
Chantal Da Silva,
NBC news,
25 June 2025
Noun
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Greater Robustness And Reliability: Better equipped to handle out-of-distribution data and novel scenarios safely and reliably by incorporating safety parameters, constraints and logical invariants.—
Anuradha Weeraman,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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But as a two-term governor in a blue state, Pritzker has the luxury of not having to make a choice under the usual constraints of seeking a political advantage, said Robin Johnson, a governmental relations, public policy and political consultant.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2025
Noun
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The Englishman, chasing his first PGA Tour win and clearly feeling the nerves, went back and forth on his approach shot before swapping his 9-iron for his pitching wedge at the last second.—
Troy Finnegan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 June 2025
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The nerves were palpable throughout before Vondroušová streaked away with the deciding set, taking the match 7-6 (12-10), 4-6, 6-2.—
Leon Imber,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
Noun
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For how much their environment (interactions with people) impacted them, men showed more inhibition than women.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
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Its ability to lower inhibitions and amplify emotions can turn minor arguments into serious, sometimes dangerous conflicts.—
Tribune Content Agency,
Mercury News,
29 May 2025
Noun
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Hybrid and virtual models also eliminate geographical barriers, which could increase attendee participation while reducing time and resource limitations.—
Michele Dobnikar,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Despite the limitations, midfielder Tommy Fraser and full-back Sam Rents several came through the system to make debuts in League One during the reign of former club midfielder Dean Wilkins between 2006 and 2008.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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