RESTRAIN Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'restrain' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of restrain are bridle , check , and curb . While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes. // restrained themselves from laughing

Q: When could 'bridle' be used to replace 'restrain'?

The words bridle and restrain can be used in similar contexts, but bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in. // bridle an impulse to throw the book down

Q: When can 'check' be used instead of 'restrain'?

The words check and restrain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus. // trying to check government spending

Q: Where would 'curb' be a reasonable alternative to 'restrain'?

Although the words curb and restrain have much in common, curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking. // learn to curb your appetite

restrain

verb

ri-ˈstrān

Definition of restrain next

as in to regulate

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) the victim's family members were unable to restrain their emotions upon hearing the verdict

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to arrest

to take or keep under one's control by authority of law the suspect was restrained and taken to an undisclosed location

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How does the verb restrain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of restrain are bridle, check, and curb. While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes.

restrained themselves from laughing

When could bridle be used to replace restrain?

The words bridle and restrain can be used in similar contexts, but bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in.

bridle an impulse to throw the book down

When can check be used instead of restrain?

The words check and restrain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus.

trying to check government spending

Where would curb be a reasonable alternative to restrain?

Although the words curb and restrain have much in common, curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking.

learn to curb your appetite

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of restrain When Robby races into the room, our drunk country clubber is being restrained, and his nose is bleeding. —

Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026 The seven dogs in question have since returned home, with the German shepherd now restrained on a leash until its heat cycle ends. —

Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026 Instability in the Middle East region will not only restrain growth in the region but is also likely to have a knock-on effect on costs, selling prices, and consumer demand in the rest of the business, warned British retailer Next on Thursday. —

Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026 Police entered the apartment when Walker allegedly tried to close the door as he was being restrained by his son, who was one of several family members at the scene, according to the report. —

Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restrain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain

Verb

Colorado argued that states have the right to regulate the medical industry as a means of promoting consumer health and safety.

— Editorial, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Citing a surge in reckless riding and pedestrian close-calls, some South Florida municipalities are launching safety campaigns or passing ordinances to regulate e-bikes on neighborhood streets and sidewalks.

— Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026

Definition of regulate

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restoring

restrain

restrained

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“Restrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrain. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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