rein in

phrasal verb

reined in; reining in; reins in
1
: to limit or control (someone or something)
Congress must rein in spending.
You had better rein that kid in before she gets hurt.
2
: to make (an animal) stop by using reins
The rider reined in his horse.

Examples of rein in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Consumers have reined in their spending somewhat, amid worries about Trump's tariffs pushing up prices, and are pulling back on travel and recreational activities. Paul Davidson, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025 The issue has gained momentum in Massachusetts, where top Democrats like Gov. Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Campbell have publicly supported reining in cell phone usage in classrooms. Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 30 July 2025 Lawmakers' action seeking to rein in faculty members isn't new in Texas. Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 After globalization transferred manufacturing jobs out of wealthy, industrialized economies, populists in those countries promised to use state power to rein in markets. Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rein in

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rein in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rein%20in. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!