as in muted
not excessively showy
a restrained but elegant black purse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in controlled
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrested
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
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 restrained
Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 6 Apr. 2025
Frank and vulnerable, her restrained vocal performance is the perfect pairing for Sundae Beats’ lush, ethereal soundscape.
—Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2025
Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 5 Jan. 2025
Three former deputies are indicted in connection with the death of a man restrained in a Virginia jail, authorities said.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Adjective
Clean lines, streamlined silhouettes, and restrained details result in impactful simplicity, which is exactly what a minimalist bride aspires for.
—Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 6 Apr. 2025
Frank and vulnerable, her restrained vocal performance is the perfect pairing for Sundae Beats’ lush, ethereal soundscape.
—Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
He was eventually restrained by the patrons.
—Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 5 Jan. 2025
Three former deputies are indicted in connection with the death of a man restrained in a Virginia jail, authorities said.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrained
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrained
Adjective
-
The wooden floors feature graphic patterns, while bold wallpaper sets the tone in the kitchen, and the bedroom is outfitted in calming, muted tones.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Currently, staff are allowed to wear pants that are gray, brown, or navy, and tops that are white, or have subdued patterns or muted colors.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
About 14% of the people arrested have been out-of-state residents, the figures show.—
Aaron Leibowitz,
Miami Herald,
22 Mar. 2025
-
On Thursday, the Harris County Sheriff's Office arrested Antonio Ridge and charged him with Arbaiza's murder, according to Gonzalez.—
Julia Bonavita,
Fox News,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Fans who attended Monday’s contest noticed a subdued scene.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
The Athletic,
13 Jan. 2025
-
The Assad regime, decades in power and long propped up by Russian jets and Iranian proxies, appears to have collapsed not with the thunder of artillery but with a subdued whisper.—
Guney Yildiz,
Forbes,
8 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you.—
Amy Fischer MS, RD,
Health,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Currently, the disposal of wind turbine waste is regulated by the localities and states hosting wind turbine projects.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Adebayo did not force his offense, in a game where there was little for the Heat to have to counter in the middle, but then seized control with his scoring late.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Before Hamas seized full control of Gaza in 2007, Christians would often place a large Christmas tree near a major square in Gaza City.—
Aaron Boxerman,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
And in a culture that often asks women to go faster, do more, and present themselves perfectly, the act of cooking something small and lovely—just because—is its own quiet form of resistance.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Today By Paulina Berges Nestled within Okazaki on a quiet residential road, Shinsho-an feels more like a private home than a hotel.—
Christina Liao,
Vogue,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Jabbar's truck contained an ISIS flag.—
Joey Garrison,
USA TODAY,
3 Jan. 2025
-
Many of the posts contained hateful messages about Muslim Americans, the same type of bigotry O'Reilly had fought against.—
Niraj Warikoo,
Detroit Free Press,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
If the only avenue for someone grabbed off the street to even present evidence contesting the government’s claims is through a complicated federal habeas claim as they’re getting rushed onto a plane, when many won’t even have lawyers, that’s effectively nothing.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The man allegedly grabbed the woman from behind and held a knife to her side before assaulting her on the sidewalk, police said, ABC News reports.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrained. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share