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
Remarkably, state law also severely restrains cities and counties from setting their own regulations, giving local leaders little sway over local gun policies.
—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2026
The result is an economic model that favors producers, restrains consumers, and floods international markets with supercheap exports, including steel, solar panels, and electric vehicles.
—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
3 June 2026
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
China’s factory deflation eased more than expected in January thanks mostly to a global metals rally, even as weak demand at home restrains a more sustainable turnaround in prices.
—
Bloomberg,
11 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
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2026
The result is an economic model that favors producers, restrains consumers, and floods international markets with supercheap exports, including steel, solar panels, and electric vehicles.
—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
3 June 2026
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
China’s factory deflation eased more than expected in January thanks mostly to a global metals rally, even as weak demand at home restrains a more sustainable turnaround in prices.
—
Bloomberg,
11 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrains
Verb
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The Federal Aviation Administration regulates the airspace, and drone owners are responsible for knowing and abiding by those restrictions.
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The Clean Air Act is the federal law that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources and governs air pollution.
Verb
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Trump seizes America’s 250th-birthday spotlight, headlining the Great American State Fair, hosting a UFC bout at the White House and promoting new passports, $250 bills and coins bearing his image.
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Ellie brings up the salad and seizes the opportunity to take credit for her part in making lunch.
Verb
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This article contains spoilers from House of the Dragon season 3, episode 2.
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Their newsletter contains so much encyclopedic data about the podcasting industry.
Verb
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Keith arrests our thinking, and cons us into suppressing our critical faculties with the same kind of internalized surveillance that philosopher Michel Foucault broke down to describe a prison’s use of the panopticon in Discipline and Punish.
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Devlin throws a punch at Stone when the chief arrests him for drunken driving.
Verb
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Imagine a supply chain agent that checks inventory levels regularly, spots potential shortfalls, keeps a list of alternative suppliers and makes purchases when needed.
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The fact is the Original 13 state keeps some paperwork under lock and key for 100 years to everyone except the participants.
Verb
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Once inside, she’s confronted by Tommy (James Eddie), who stupidly grabs her to escort her out.
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When forecasters warn about a heat wave, the number that grabs headlines is the daytime high.
Verb
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Pele controls the ball in the penalty area with his thigh, flips it over the head of the defender and smashes it past a helpless Kalle Svensson.
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The throttle that controls the aircraft’s engine power originated from an F-18 Super Hornet fighter jet that operates from aircraft carriers, whereas the stick comes from an F-117 Nighthawk stealth attack aircraft.
Verb
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John Early, as anyone encountering his work soon apprehends, chooses the latter.
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Though the team immediately apprehends a suspect, the Marshals end up taking criticism from both sides.
Cite this Entry
“Restrains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrains. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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