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 The other guys are on their feet, trying to break it up, someone is calling someone else a loser, there are swings and kicks and insults, men grabbing at other men, trying to restrain them and busting the restraints. —

Brian Moylan, Vulture, 6 May 2026 An internal investigation by the Department of Human Services concluded that Moore, who was nonverbal, died after being restrained by staff for 13 minutes before being injected with medication. —

Arkansas Online, 6 May 2026 And even as China has been restrained in its criticisms of the US during this conflict, it’s long maintained that the war is Washington’s mess to fix. —

Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 6 May 2026 When rule-making is enacted properly, its impact is not to abolish our freedoms nor restrain our lives, but rather to protect and expand our freedom by preventing others from violating our rights. —

Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for restrain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain

Verb

Earlier this year the company released a REST API that lets regulated financial platforms bolt blockchain wallet functionality onto their existing products.

— Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Indeed, sodium is one of the body’s key electrolytes – a group of minerals that help regulate fluid balance and other important functions.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 16 May 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 22 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of restrain

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