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

Dealing with her own injuries that left her sidelined or on minute-restraints at the start of the season, Clark took to gardening to relieve stress. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 31 July 2026

Max tells him to put it down, releasing Zack in exchange, then picks up the gun himself, herds all four Bowdens into the kitchen, and makes Natalie bind her parents' wrists with plastic restraints. — Jp Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026

The Giants have the wherewithal to pay down some of that money to widen the field and involve contenders with greater financial restraints. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 31 July 2026

At its best, this restraint dovetails with the story unfolding before us. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026