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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
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
Noun
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Yet, despite the Jayhawks’ inarguable strengths, there were times throughout the current season when Self’s men looked lackluster, tossing on-court discipline and good form to the wind.—
Andy Frye,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
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As the Web3 ecosystem continues to evolve, those who can bridge these worlds—who can operate with the discipline of traditional finance while harnessing the dynamism of decentralized innovation—will be the ones who define the future.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The Progressives believed that these restrictions would allow independent experts to carry out important specialized government duties successfully, based on the merits and free from political interference.—
Alden Abbott,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
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The Justice Department maintains that the restrictions established by Humphrey's Executor don't apply to today's FTC or other multimember regulatory bodies, given the power those agencies now wield.—
Andrea Hsu,
NPR,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The original temperance movement similarly popularized a number of new beverages, such as sodas and fruit juices.—
Shayla Love,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2025
-
Asked about how Kia will respond to tariffs from the Trump administration, the CEO projected temperance.—
Kristin Shaw,
Ars Technica,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Reflecting on the circumstances that led to his detainment, Khalil accused the federal government of Palestinian repression, and the current and former presidents of Columbia of paving the way for the Trump administration.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
19 Mar. 2025
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Speaking at the rally, Brown University student Kai Blades called the deportation part of a broader pattern of political repression.—
Kathy McCormack,
Twin Cities,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
-
That's nerve damage causing pain, numbness or tingling.—
John Daley,
NPR,
19 Mar. 2025
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Prolonged exposure can weaken the immune system, damage bone marrow, leading to conditions like anemia, and cause neurological effects such as dizziness, headaches, and long-term nerve damage.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
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However, there are widespread inhibitions against the use of fast chargers, as they’re widely believed to reduce the total lifespan of an EV battery – although there is currently little data to support the theory.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
20 Mar. 2025
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This piece of information is delivered in a nightclub, a Dionysian space where the whole point is to lose your inhibitions.—
Matt Zoller Seitz,
Vulture,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
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But Trump’s order may face limitations short of an act of Congress, which has through the years tried to shield the journalistic entities from political influence.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
15 Mar. 2025
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For example, physical limitations, a baby that is in absolute melt-down mode, or even a feeling of general and perhaps sudden unease at your surroundings (always go with your gut).—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
15 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
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