restrain

verb

ri-ˈstrān How to pronounce restrain (audio)
Definition of restrainnext
1
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Some were seen lying on the ground while police tried to restrain them. —Reuters, NBC news, 10 Feb. 2026 Charlotte coach Charles Lee was also ejected after having to be restrained from going after an official while arguing a no-call in the fourth quarter. —CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026 Amodei, who has a mop of curly hair and perennially askew glasses, gives the impression of a restless savant who has been patiently coached to restrain his spasmodic energy. —Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 Link, who was in orange jail attire and restrained by pink handcuffs, sat quietly throughout the brief hearing. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain
  1. regulate
  2. arrest
  3. control
  4. seize
  5. contain
  6. grab
  7. curb
  8. apprehend
Verb
  • One of the major issues was that the federal government did not regulate it, and states and localities operated on different schedules.
    — Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 8 Feb. 2026
  • This nutrient helps regulate your heartbeat and supports healthy muscle function.
    — Zia Sherrell, Health, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of regulate
Verb
  • Months later, police obtained the criminal warrants to arrest the suspect at his residence.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Lovely was arrested in connection with the stabbing and is also being treated at Atrium Hospital.
    — Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of arrest
Verb
  • And on the other side, artists can really control what the narratives are about them.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The story about a woman, who is considered a cursed bride, and her husband, who pretends to be possessed in an attempt to control her, is the first all-Pakistani feature at the Berlin International Film Festival, which has in the past featured Pakistani co-productions.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of control
Verb
  • Iran seizes 2 ships on smuggling claims DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Iran seized two foreign oil tankers in the Persian Gulf on Thursday, state television reported, claiming the vessels had been smuggling fuel.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Leavitt turns the tables on media outrage as FBI seizes Fulton election documents.
    — , FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of seize
Verb
  • Wright, who formerly worked as a detective, said the video contains apparent facial features such as a mustache and that investigators should be able to calculate height, shoe size and brands of clothing.
    — Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Her life’s work was stolen early Monday when thieves swiped a shipping box containing many of her puppets from outside her Beachwood Canyon apartment.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of contain
Verb
  • Similarly, Bad Bunny also stopped at a piraguas cart recreation and briefly grabbed a frozen dessert.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
  • His piece of genius separated the sides entering the 84th minute but during a chaotic finale, the hosts conspired to grab defeat from the jaws of victory.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • Now, authorities are stepping in to slow the flow, introducing new restrictions aimed at curbing day-trip tourism.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Trump said Modi’s efforts to curb purchases of Russian crude oil led him to lower duties.
    — Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of curb
Verb
  • The occupants were apprehended following a foot chase.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The agent shot at Routh, who was rousted from his hiding place and tried to escape before he was apprehended.
    — David Matthews, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of apprehend

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restoring
restrain
restrained
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Cite this Entry

“Restrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrain. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on restrain

Nglish: Translation of restrain for Spanish Speakers

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