restraint

noun

ri-ˈstrānt How to pronounce restraint (audio)
Definition of restraintnext
1
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

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2
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

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3
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

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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 Sullivan was charged with assault in the first degree, kidnapping in the second degree, unlawful restraint in the first degree, cruelty to persons and reckless endangerment in the first degree. — Angel Saunders, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025 She is accused of first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, first-degree reckless endangerment and cruelty to persons. — David K. Li, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025 But imagine a system where spending cuts and restraint were the accepted default, not the contentious choice—where automatic reductions replaced relentless expansion, eliminating the need for last-minute battles. — Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 This season was about restraint and impact — where luxury was deliberate, innovation measured, and the conversation between past and present more compelling than ever. — Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
  1. discipline
  2. restriction
  3. temperance
  4. repression
  5. constraint
  6. nerve
  7. inhibition
  8. limitation
Noun
  • Trump’s style as President offers a case study in the risks of founder-style leadership without operational discipline.
    — Paul Klein, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The office also oversees a large data collection project that tracks disparities in resources, course access and discipline for students of different racial and socioeconomic groups.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of discipline
Noun
  • Los Angeles fires and recovery Malibu businesses are struggling in the aftermath of fire and continuing restrictions along Pacific Coast Highway.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2025
  • In fact, several places have issued stern warnings to partiers and restrictions this year.
    — Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of restriction
Noun
  • Asked about how Kia will respond to tariffs from the Trump administration, the CEO projected temperance.
    — Kristin Shaw, Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2025
  • For instance, courage can lead to recklessness without temperance or result in cowardice when deficient.
    — Mary Crossan, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Definition of temperance
Noun
  • Neorealism emerged in the immediate aftermath of World War II as a response to the escapism and repression of Mussolini era cinema.
    — Beandrea July, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The sociologist Asef Bayat has documented the impact of everyday resistance against the Islamic Republic’s repression, gradually challenging both the clerical establishment and traditional patriarchal beliefs.
    — Narges Mohammadi, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of repression
Noun
  • Efficient Resource Allocation-by utilizing smart city technologies, the city can track and allocate resources effectively, optimize service delivery,and streamline government operations to meet these budget constraints.
    — Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Why Unified Decision-Making Is Critical The constraints of specialized cybersecurity teams underscore businesses' need to have a holistic view of cybersecurity signals and coordinate actions across their cybersecurity functions.
    — Ambuj Kumar, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of constraint
Noun
  • Neuropathy is a debilitating type of pain caused by injury or damage to nerves.
    — Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Connecting with others who have MS has proved 'really cathartic' Scout assists with Blair’s balance and eases her nerves about being in public.
    — Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of nerve
Noun
  • With Natalie Kalmus out of the picture, swatches of Technicolor lost all inhibitions.
    — Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
  • For spring 2025, Mrs. Prada and Raf Simons basically urged everyone to release your inhibitions, feel the rain on your skin!
    — Laia Garcia-Furtado, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of inhibition
Noun
  • However, there are limitations to its performance prowess.
    — Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 15 Mar. 2025
  • This shift allowed more attendees to engage without the throughput limitations of individual VR headsets.
    — Charlie Fink, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of limitation

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Cite this Entry

“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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