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
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
An 1878 law known as the Posse Comitatus Act generally restrains the use of the military for such purposes.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 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
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
An 1878 law known as the Posse Comitatus Act generally restrains the use of the military for such purposes.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 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 couple submitted a complaint to the oil division of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which regulates the state’s oil and gas industry and is responsible for addressing related pollution.—
Nick Bowlin,
The Frontier,
16 Feb. 2026
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Beet juice influences nitric oxide production, which regulates blood pressure and oxygen delivery throughout the body.—
Amy Brownstein,
Verywell Health,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Now, her family must reckon with the consequences as Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) seizes an opportunity to regain her position.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2026
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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
Verb
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Black tea contains polyphenols, such as theaflavins and thearubigins, that act like prebiotics, benefiting the bacteria in your microbiome.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
15 Feb. 2026
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For instance, some soil contains too much clay, causing drainage problems.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
15 Feb. 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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Soon thereafter, a gear fishing pal of yours gifted you an old, unused fly rod, and that totally grabs a hold of you and completely directs the rest of your life.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
11 Feb. 2026
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The man grabs her and also takes her cell phone.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Velzeboer's victory keeps the 1,000 title in Dutch hands.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Feb. 2026
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The Fyy Travel Cable Organizer keeps cords, earbuds, and adapters neatly in one place, so everything is easily accessible at the gate or in your seat.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
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The team successfully seizes two tons of gold and apprehends the leader of the criminal network.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The office controls an annual budget of approximately $10 billion, with more than 22,000 employees.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
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But the president ultimately controls both parties to the lawsuit.—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restrains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrains. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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