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

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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

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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

Freddy was later restrained when his owner arrived, local outlet Vijesti reported. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 But this Sin City home takes a more restrained approach, pairing clean lines and strong geometric forms with the natural beauty of the Southwest. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026

Verb

The woman’s 1-year-old son, Waylon, was properly restrained in the backseat of the Ford Escape, but suffered critical injuries. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 According to investigators, the victim in the case was beaten, restrained with zip ties, and forced into a bathroom where multiple individuals involved shoved the man's head in a toilet. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 24 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

How effectively such systems can be controlled, sustained, and employed alongside soldiers will determine whether this unusual configuration becomes a recurring feature of future armored warfare.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
These vehicles have functions and features that can be updated and controlled by software, rather than the mechanics of hardware.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 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

On the other hand, this education leads some to overdress—that hyper-graphic maxi dress paired with a neon pink beret is going to clash with the more subdued, elegant looks that stylish Parisians tend to sport.

— Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Aug. 2026
Storms can still find windows of opportunity to form and become a threat, even in an overall subdued season.

— Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of subdued

Adjective

Staying upstairs is the quiet advantage with no lines, just an elevator ride to a nightcap under all that light.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Margot has left her field, and has moved to Hungary with her equestrian husband Sam (Rupert Friend), an uprooting that manifests as quiet disconnects between them.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of quiet

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Style

“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrained. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of restrained

adjective

verb

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