restrained

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

Synonyms of restrained

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Examples of restrained in a Sentence

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.
There’s a smooth clarity to most of these songs, which grants different textures and dimensions to even Lyseight’s most restrained beats. — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 2026 Promotional stills, tour visuals and social content have followed the same restrained palette of black, white and grey, with color largely absent from official imagery. — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Chicken satay with a restrained peanut sauce is a solid choice, too. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 The weight loss drug boom is beginning to show signs of a slowdown as employers and insurers pull back on coverage, signaling the market could be entering a more restrained phase after years of breakneck expansion, Bloomberg News says. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for restrained

Word History

First Known Use

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 6 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on restrained

Nglish: Translation of restrained for Spanish Speakers

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