RESTRAIN Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'restrain' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of restrain are bridle , check , and curb . While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes. // restrained themselves from laughing

Q: When could 'bridle' be used to replace 'restrain'?

The words bridle and restrain can be used in similar contexts, but bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in. // bridle an impulse to throw the book down

Q: When can 'check' be used instead of 'restrain'?

The words check and restrain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus. // trying to check government spending

Q: Where would 'curb' be a reasonable alternative to 'restrain'?

Although the words curb and restrain have much in common, curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking. // learn to curb your appetite

restrain

verb

ri-ˈstrān

Definition of restrain next

as in to regulate

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

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as in to arrest

to take or keep under one's control by authority of law the suspect was restrained and taken to an undisclosed location

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How does the verb restrain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of restrain are bridle, check, and curb. While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes.

restrained themselves from laughing

When could bridle be used to replace restrain?

The words bridle and restrain can be used in similar contexts, but bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in.

bridle an impulse to throw the book down

When can check be used instead of restrain?

The words check and restrain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus.

trying to check government spending

Where would curb be a reasonable alternative to restrain?

Although the words curb and restrain have much in common, curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking.

learn to curb your appetite

Examples of restrain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Sam’s portrayal of the role in the trailer is restrained and suits the situation at hand. —

Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 Some younger members of the IRGC believe Iran has restrained itself out of fear. —

Saeid Golkar, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2024 Lebanon's top officials have expressed support for one and said that world powers need to do more to restrain Israel. —

Maya Gebeily and James MacKenzie, USA TODAY, 4 Oct. 2024 In most of those cases, the babies were not restrained and bedding materials were added. —

Kate Gibson, CBS News, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for restrain

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'restrain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Restrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrain. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

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Last Updated: 29 Oct 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of restrain

verb

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