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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restraint
Adapting Without Overclaiming One of the key principles at Top To Bottom Social is restraint.
—
Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
But during arguments in the fall, Chiles' lawyer, James Campbell, told the justices that the way his client wishes to practice conversion therapy involves no physical restraints or coercion of any kind.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 31 Mar. 2026
Though much of Miami’s top tier is moving toward polished restraint, not everyone is following that direction.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
But even the warring parties in this conflict have demonstrated moments of restraint.
—Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
But during arguments in the fall, Chiles' lawyer, James Campbell, told the justices that the way his client wishes to practice conversion therapy involves no physical restraints or coercion of any kind.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 31 Mar. 2026
Though much of Miami’s top tier is moving toward polished restraint, not everyone is following that direction.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
But even the warring parties in this conflict have demonstrated moments of restraint.
—Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
Noun
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And so, far from clearing up confusion, the provisions have sparked criticism from numerous TV writers and producers, including Academy members, who think the guidelines leave far too much room for AI to have a meaningful role on writing, acting and other creative disciplines in Emmy nominees.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
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Alvaro Arbeloa’s Madrid can be front-footed and organised, pressing high with discipline and intent.—
Sukhman Singh,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Another patient had to switch to an injection because the pill’s dietary restrictions — which involve taking it with a small amount of water and waiting 30 minutes before eating or drinking — did not fit into their lifestyle, Hofflich said.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
7 Apr. 2026
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There’s something to be said of Augusta National’s cell-phone restriction this time every year.—
Gabriel Burns,
AJC.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The temperance, abolition, and civil-rights movements in America were all motivated in part by religious convictions.—
Luis Parrales,
The Atlantic,
31 Mar. 2026
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Then, strong reform and radical movements to abolish slavery and to advocate for world peace, temperance, and women’s suffrage flourished.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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One effect of this austerity and repression is to focus attention on Albee’s language, with its slippery banalities and barbs.—
Steven Winn,
San Francisco Chronicle,
3 Apr. 2026
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The state responded with the repression of protesters, followed by a consolidation of the security apparatus – particularly the expanding influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps around the supreme leader.—
Roxane Razavi,
The Conversation,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Jet fuel prices have doubled over the past month as crude supply problems have translated into supply constraints.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
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That said, Springfield has hindered municipalities in important ways from addressing their budget constraints.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The experience of standing up to announce his name and city of birth to this group was nerve-wracking.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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Bell's Palsy typically results from inflammation or swelling of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), and is often linked to viral infections that that impact the nerve.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Each spring, otherwise reasonable home cooks lose all inhibitions at the first sight of ramps at the farmers market.—
Kelly Vaughan,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
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Metallica plays on the stereo while Garcia and Huerta operate like two rock stars with no inhibitions in the kitchen.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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There were some limitations to the surveillance, the agency acknowledged.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
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When Ichimoku works best—and its limitations Ichimoku tends to work best in trending markets.—
Karl Montevirgen,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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