1
as in regulates
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in seizes
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
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Recent Examples of restrains
At certain points in the novel, that distance calcifies and restrains his writing.
—
Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
And most of the officials agreed that the Fed’s key rate is close to a level that neither stimulates nor restrains the economy.
—Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
According to projections made at the December meeting, that’s only about half a percentage point from the committee consensus on the neutral rate, or one that neither supports nor restrains growth.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026
There are also possible free speech claims if the law restrains NIL opportunities and interferes with First Amendment freedom of expression.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Dec. 2025
Video shows the moment an officer in camouflage and tactical gear approaches an individual, after which another officer tackles the person, restrains them with plastic handcuffs, and leads them away.
—Hanna Park, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
In the footage, a Border Patrol agent is shown holding one man with his forearm across a man’s neck – and later, an FHP officer restrains the man who is tased, grabbing him around the neck area while the man is doubled down.
—Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2025
Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
And most of the officials agreed that the Fed’s key rate is close to a level that neither stimulates nor restrains the economy.
—Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
According to projections made at the December meeting, that’s only about half a percentage point from the committee consensus on the neutral rate, or one that neither supports nor restrains growth.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026
There are also possible free speech claims if the law restrains NIL opportunities and interferes with First Amendment freedom of expression.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Dec. 2025
Video shows the moment an officer in camouflage and tactical gear approaches an individual, after which another officer tackles the person, restrains them with plastic handcuffs, and leads them away.
—Hanna Park, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
In the footage, a Border Patrol agent is shown holding one man with his forearm across a man’s neck – and later, an FHP officer restrains the man who is tased, grabbing him around the neck area while the man is doubled down.
—Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrains
Verb
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The United Kingdom, by contrast, strictly regulates fertility centers.—
Elizabeth Chuck,
NBC news,
3 Apr. 2026
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The effect changes how your liver regulates cholesterol production and clearance from the bloodstream, often leading to higher circulating LDL levels.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Earnest and intersectional, the spoken word artist’s debut solo album seizes upon the power of club music to preach about gender equality, personal transformation, and communal uplift.—
Jesse Dorris,
Pitchfork,
25 Mar. 2026
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So, when Ozzie (Kyle Bary), a former child star, finds himself in a heap of trouble, Jax seizes the opportunity to spice up her daily routine.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Neither collection of documents contains a smoking gun.—
Ronan Farrow,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
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At this stage, the chicks are fed small bites of fish or other prey, and the parents’ saliva, which contains electrolytes and antibodies, helps give the eaglets a healthy start.—
Shafiq Najib,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Department of Damage Control arrests Trevor.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
27 Jan. 2026
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The sheer scale of an estate for sale in San Francisco’s tony Pacific Heights neighborhood — a residence spanning 26,000 square feet, or the equivalent of 10 average homes — arrests the imagination.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Tomislav Ivišić grabs a rebound against Houston in last weekend's Sweet 16.—
Greg Rosenstein,
NBC news,
3 Apr. 2026
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After lowering the helicopter to the water's surface, a flight crew member grabs the dog and hauls the pet aboard.—
Kelli Bender,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Jansen has yet to falter and keeps cashing in on one-year deals as a result.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Apr. 2026
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As the market of products commonly available at gas stations and smoke shops keeps changing rapidly, and state lawmakers have struggled to pass regulations in recent years, individual cities have been stepping in.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Though the team immediately apprehends a suspect, the Marshals end up taking criticism from both sides.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
21 Mar. 2026
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Neighbors are now living in fear, looking on as ICE apprehends people of color across Minnesota.—
Jason Rantala,
CBS News,
19 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In the works for more than two years, a proposal to erect a striking, $256 million waterfront museum that honors the United States Navy’s maritime special operations force will soon go before the government body that controls the site.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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The beneficiaries of tax giveaways vary depending on who controls the White House and Congress.—
Wayne Winegarden,
Oc Register,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restrains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrains. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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