as in muted
not excessively showy
a restrained but elegant black purse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restrained
Ron Elving, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
Of note: In its economic projections, the CBO is quite a bit more restrained than the IMF, seeing 1.9% GDP growth this year, well below the Fund's 2.7%.
—Neil Irwin, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025
Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 5 Jan. 2025
Three former deputies are indicted in connection with the death of a man restrained in a Virginia jail, authorities said.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for restrained 
Adjective
But four years later, after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 had driven the president's approval rating to record highs and fueled a win in the popular vote as well as the Electoral College, the atmosphere was more restrained.
—Ron Elving, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
Of note: In its economic projections, the CBO is quite a bit more restrained than the IMF, seeing 1.9% GDP growth this year, well below the Fund's 2.7%.
—Neil Irwin, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
He was eventually restrained by the patrons.
—Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 5 Jan. 2025
Three former deputies are indicted in connection with the death of a man restrained in a Virginia jail, authorities said.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for restrained
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrained
Adjective
-
The consensus is that warm tones, rich shades, and natural materials will reign in 2025, replacing cool hues and muted color selections.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Feb. 2025
-
On the red carpet, music industry stars and other celebrities posed in front of a muted black backdrop featuring a call to donate to relief efforts.—
The Styles Desk,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
With a new haircut, Mangione agreed to be extradited to New York from Pennsylvania on Thursday after he was arrested at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
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An Elgin man who allegedly made threats against Illinois Park School and one of its employees has been arrested on felony charges, Kane County court records show.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The tune opens at No. 30, in last place, on Billboard’s ranking of the tracks that reach the largest audience at radio stations that play the more subdued, mature-leaning style of pop, known as Adult Contemporary.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes,
30 Jan. 2025
-
Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S & P 500 indicating small gains—the S & P 500 previously slipped 0.2 percent on Thursday, marking its fourth consecutive day of losses and capping a strong 2024 on a subdued note.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Currently, the disposal of wind turbine waste is regulated by the localities and states hosting wind turbine projects.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you.—
Amy Fischer MS, RD,
Health,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Before Hamas seized full control of Gaza in 2007, Christians would often place a large Christmas tree near a major square in Gaza City.—
Aaron Boxerman,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Adebayo did not force his offense, in a game where there was little for the Heat to have to counter in the middle, but then seized control with his scoring late.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The trade deadline was a non-starter, and the summer was curiously quiet.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2025
-
Going back about six weeks, Manchester City were planning for a quiet January in terms of transfers.—
Sam Lee,
The Athletic,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Jabbar's truck contained an ISIS flag.—
Joey Garrison,
USA TODAY,
3 Jan. 2025
-
Many of the posts contained hateful messages about Muslim Americans, the same type of bigotry O'Reilly had fought against.—
Niraj Warikoo,
Detroit Free Press,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Multiple officers grabbed Kerley and attempted to take him to the ground.—
Zach Powell,
The Athletic,
4 Jan. 2025
-
On their way out the door, Kinch grabbed the pistol and placed it in the console of his truck.—
Joshua Kaplan,
ProPublica,
4 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near restrained
Cite this Entry
“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrained. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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