RESTRAINED Synonyms: 167 Similar and Opposite Words

restrained 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈstrānd

Definition of restrained

as in muted

not excessively showy a restrained but elegant black purse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

restrained

2 of 2

verb

past tense of restrain

as in controlled

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arrested

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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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 restrained

Adjective

When paired with the right furnishings, these hues evoke a look that’s indulgent yet restrained and serene. — Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2026 For those who eschew sweeter dipping sauces, this is the most restrained of the bunch. — Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026

Verb

Montes then tried to flee but security staff, an NYPD officer working a detail at the synagogue, and congregants stopped and restrained him, prosecutors said. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2026 Cunningham got up and charged toward Carrington but was restrained. — CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restrained

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrained

Adjective

Overnight, the British market's reaction to Keir Starmer's resignation remained relatively muted.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Featuring warm neutrals, earthy tones, muted pinks, clay hues, and airy blues, the palette includes shades inspired by nature—from sandy beaches to golden autumn leaves.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of muted

Verb

The service got its name from the original Mechanical Turk, an 18th century chess-playing robot that was actually controlled by a human chess master.

— Annie Palmer, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Social-media feeds controlled by Netflix or Stella Artois will also boost the alliance.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of controlled

Verb

But her condition has deteriorated significantly in the months since she was first arrested in Miami-Dade County on May 5 and booked on a misdemeanor battery charge.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Weatherall was arrested in connection with the incident, per the outlet, Fox Carolina and Greenville County public arrest records.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of arrested

Adjective

Industry sources said Pemsel’s exit has been planned for some time, and that the BFC has already been running a quiet, monthslong search for his successor.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
Libra September 23 – October 22 The private thought looping in the background may need a quiet place to land.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of quiet

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restrain

restrained

restrainedly

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Style

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

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Synonyms of restrained

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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