restrained

1 of 2

adjective

re·​strained ri-ˈstrānd How to pronounce restrained (audio)
Synonyms of restrainednext
: marked by restraint : not excessive or extravagant
restrainedly
ri-ˈstrā-nəd-lē How to pronounce restrained (audio)
adverb

restrained

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of restrain

Synonyms of restrained

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Adjective

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Examples of restrained in a Sentence

Adjective She was admired for her restrained behavior. a restrained style of architecture The room was decorated with restrained colors.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
With its warm minimal interiors and crisp, colorful furnishings, The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth reflects the city's more restrained side. — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026 But Cursor’s blockbuster buyout suggests, against the odds, that Tisch’s vision of a restrained, people-first model for venture capital can work in a world dominated by trillion-dollar companies and multi-billion funds. — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 China media have been relatively restrained about this election result compared to past extreme rhetoric. — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Freddy was later restrained when his owner arrived, local outlet Vijesti reported. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restrained

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of restrained was in the 14th century

Rhymes for restrained

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Browse Nearby Words

restrainably
restrained
restrained beam
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Cite this Entry

“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restrained. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

restrained

adjective
re·​strained ri-ˈstrānd How to pronounce restrained (audio)
: marked by restraint : showing careful control
restrainedly
-ˈstrā-nəd-lē How to pronounce restrained (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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