RESTRAINT Synonyms: 107 Similar and Opposite Words

restraint

noun

ri-ˈstrānt

Definition of restraint

as in discipline

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others it will take a great deal of restraint to keep from telling her how ugly that dress is

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in restriction

something that limits one's freedom of action or choice civil libertarians contend that the new laws place too many restraints on our constitutionally guaranteed rights

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in temperance

the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions he shows very little restraint or tact when expressing his opinions about others

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 restraint The two children did not have safety restraints at the time of the crash, the crash log said. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026 This is not a company asking for a modest adjustment after a decade of restraint. — Tyrone E. Keys Jr, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2026 Facilities must notify the state of significant incidents — including serious injuries to youth, escapes or restraint use — within 24 hours. — Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026 The ride still started, and Mercer’s son then realized the safety restraints were not properly secured, according to the complaint. — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restraint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint

Noun

Treating conversions as first-class artifacts, with the same signing and inventory discipline, benefits the labs, the packagers and the enterprises that depend on both.

— Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Come with discipline, come peacefully, come prepared to respect the courtroom and the proceeding.

— J.D. Miles, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of discipline

Noun

The majority are rated for adults, but others are deemed suitable for teens, and a few have no age restrictions.

— Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
The organization said the changes are intended to keep its textile and leather labels compliant as the bloc tightens its restrictions on green claims.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of restriction

Noun

The temperance movement was in full swing then, and the aversion to alcohol was especially strong in the rural South.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Aug. 2026
If decisiveness has crowded out temperance, spend ninety days deliberately slowing your first response.

— Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of temperance

Noun

For the United States, that means encouraging reform, including human rights protections, and calling off the bargain that has allowed autocratic allies to get away with grievous repression.

— MARC LYNCH, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Numerous other features not in competition include Oscar winner Paul Schrader’s latest directing project, The Basics of Philosophy, exploring his usual concerns of guilt and repression involving older male protagonists.

— David Bloom, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of repression

Noun

Roberts said Wednesday that the results suggested the injury was more muscular, rather than nerve related.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
The nerve-wracking journey is one the friends wanted to share not only to warn other hikers but to express their gratitude to the volunteer rescuers.

— Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of nerve

Noun

As art and its creators have shed their inhibitions in this post-Sadean world, politicians and cultural commentators have reliably lined up to condemn this total freedom of expression as being dangerous to society.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Put inhibitions aside to experience the latest episode of Doc Talk, hosted by John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, Shirley), and Matt Carey, Deadline’s senior documentary editor.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 June 2026

Definition of inhibition

Browse Nearby Words

restrains

restraint

restraints

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of restraint

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on restraint

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

prowess

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes