RESTRAINS Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

restrains

verb

present tense third-person singular of restrain

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 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 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 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

The endocannabinoid system—a brain system that regulates mood, sleep, memory and appetite—also undergoes substantial growth and signaling activity during adolescence.

— Sara Novak, Scientific American, 18 May 2026
This releases nutrient-rich fungi and bacteria to the soil, regulates soil temperature, and helps retain moisture.

— Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 17 May 2026