restrain

Synonym Chooser

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 The Chinese government restrains the free flow of capital through measures such as controls on inbound and outbound investments and restrictions on international bank transfers. Edward Fishman, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025 The vibe is more old-world social club than cigar lounge: rich in atmosphere, restrained in execution. Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 The state’s strongest piece of evidence against Pratt was his DNA found on a roll of duct tape that was used to restrain the victims. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025 Hansi Flick was seen restraining the Brazilian, who headed down the tunnel clearly enraged. Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for restrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain
Verb
  • College leaders don’t want to recognize the athletes as employees, but that comes at a cost: NCAA attempts to regulate the market in arguably logical ways swiftly face antitrust lawsuits.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Through its Kigali Amendment, the treaty now also targets powerful climate-warming gases. CITES continues to regulate international wildlife trade, curbing the exploitation of endangered species and protecting biodiversity across the planet.
    Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • During the court hearing, the Florida Highway Patrol was the only agency mentioned as an arresting agency in those cases, including the one of the U.S. citizen.
    Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Abrego Garcia’s attorneys say he was given no information about why he was arrested, but a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) form said he was arrested in connection with a murder investigation.
    Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Boone was asked if Chisholm needs to find a better way to control his emotions.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Finding new ways to control blood sugar was the perfect test case.
    Alice Park, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • These results suggest that media-savvy Democrats who seize this moment to call out Trump and the MAGA agenda could put themselves in a strong position to become the next leader of the Democratic Party.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • No law in this country permits the president to seize federal funds and to just keep them until an institution complies with his personal will.
    Destinee Adams, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After the fire is fully contained, the next step is to control it.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Fires were contained, and no casualties were reported.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo finished the game by scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Police said that once Davis left the apartment, the surviving 10-year-old quickly grabbed her baby brother, locked the door and called for help.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • China’s one-child policy, which was in place from 1979 until 2015 to curb population growth by limiting most families to one child, is one topic the young filmmaker says his current cinematic creations deal with.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Trump executive order takes 'strong action' to curb fentanyl flow from Chinese imports Iowa Attorney Gen. Brenna Bird voices her support for a Trump executive order to close a trade loophole to curb the flow of fentanyl in the U.S. and Democrats' struggle to connect with voters.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Secret Service apprehended another suspect, weeks later, Ryan Routh, who was armed on a golf course where Trump was playing.
    Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Police apprehended 38-year-old Cody Balmer in connection with the incident, and search warrants alleged that the suspect admitted to the crimes.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Restrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrain. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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