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 unidentified passenger was restrained by the flight crew, reported Kyodo News. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 May 2025 Two military veterans who were onboard assisted the crew in restraining the man. Latoya Gayle, People.com, 25 May 2025 The video of the arrest was aired by Noticias Telemundo, and shows officers physically restraining him. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025 Fulton said he was forced to restrain the victim to protect himself. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for restrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain
Verb
  • Does the rule maker want to get into the business of regulating KPIs by industry?
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • While the federal government, not the state, regulates immigration, how should state and local personnel and resources be utilized for that end?
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • He was arrested in late May and later released on bond, officials said.
    Sara Schilling, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
  • The Columbia County, Oregon, Sheriff’s Office arrested the suspect on May 22, the FBI said.
    Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Asos sold the majority stake in the business for $178 million to the Danish fashion business controlled by the major Asos shareholder Anders Povlsen, who already owns popular European retail brands including Jack & Jones and Vero Moda via his Bestseller business.
    Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • But in other matches, such as recent defeats to Bay FC and Racing Louisville, Angel City has faltered — often losing despite controlling possession.
    Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • This harmonious and uplifting transit encourages you to take bold steps toward your desires and seize opportunities that come your way.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 June 2025
  • Flores, a 70-year-old retired welder, had illegally seized a home five years ago after its owner, the California Department of Transportation, had left it vacant.
    Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • The dust from Worlds Collide will have to settle quickly as the attention will turn to Money in the Bank as six men and six women, respectively, will look to grab the briefcase which contains a contract for a world title shot anytime, anywhere.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
  • Yet even this minor film contains major pleasures, including Mia Threapleton’s whipcrack deadpan as Zsa-Zsa’s estranged daughter, a daffy Michael Cera as a Norwegian entomologist, and gorgeous evocation of a fictitious yet allusive Middle East.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Appeal To All Five Senses People still like going out, meeting others and grabbing coffee.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Scott grabbed some pizza and returned to park her Subaru near the West Shore Market to wait for Serafini.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • But the Malian army and Russian mercenaries struggled to curb violence in the country and have both been accused of targeting civilians.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025
  • Citi Bike has agreed to curb the speed at which its e-bikes can go at 15 miles per hour — a move that came in response to a service suspension threat from Mayor Adams’ administration.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Kendall nearly escapes with the cash, but the cops arrive just in time to apprehend him.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 5 June 2025
  • Tolbert was apprehended inside a hotel at 204 N. Washington St. in Ellis, Kansas, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a statement.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrain. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on restrain

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!