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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 restrain Cunningham got up and charged toward Carrington but was restrained. — CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026 The device is already used by some police and prison agencies to restrain suspects who violently resist arrest or being moved by law enforcement. — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026 Cunningham, who rushed at her in response and wound up to strike Carrington before being restrained by her teammates, was not penalized. — Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026 An incident like this one, in which employees encouraged youths to restrain another youth, would require staff to notify both the state and the boy’s family within 24 hours. — Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restrain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain

Verb

According to some studies, its combination of protein and calcium may help regulate blood sugar levels.

— Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
GLP-1s work by mimicking glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone in the body that regulates blood sugar, appetite, and digestion.

— Jessica Starr, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of regulate

Verb

The teen did not realize his mother and brother were dead until after he was arrested, his defense attorney, Debra DeWitt, told WCVB.

— Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office arrested a woman for allegedly slashing several cars' tires in a Camarillo neighborhood earlier this week.

— Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of arrest

Verb

The Ravens did that, committing only three penalties for 25 yards (the Eagles had 10 for 96), limiting their mistakes and controlling the line of scrimmage.

— Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Sprays to control Asian psyllids are needed, along with minor nutrient and traditional fertilizer applications.

— Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of control

Verb

Messi had a shot saved at the beginning of the second half, but Palacios then sparked a move from one side of the pitch to the other as Nashville restored its lead in the 49th minute and seized control of the game.

— Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Biggs, 67, has seized on the refusal, repeatedly challenging Hobbs to debate and making her absence itself part of his campaign message.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of seize

Verb

According to police sources, witnesses said two men threw two bottles containing an unknown substance into the deli.

— Allen Devlin, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
The proposal is for one building that would contain three studio apartment homes, 35 one-bedroom apartment homes, and 36 two bedroom apartment homes.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of contain

Verb

After grabbing an early 83-81 lead in overtime, the Dream gave up eight straight points to the Fever, who never lost the lead in overtime again, although the Dream got within two points, 93-91, with 10 seconds left.

— Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
The little breaths, the cloth grabs and punches were all deliberate.

— Simon Thompson, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of grab

Verb

Dozens of new laws take effect in Colorado on Wednesday as part of state lawmakers’ efforts to increase safety of ride-hailing apps, improve affordable housing development and curb Coloradans from leaving out trash that could lure bears.

— Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2026
Existing laws already shield utilities from billions in wildfire damages, including Altadena’s deadly Eaton fire, as new proposals could further curb victim payouts and shift costs to homeowners’ insurance.

— Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of curb

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restoring

restrain

restrained

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“Restrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrain. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of restrain

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