restrain

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 The pair were also convicted of confining, restraining and debarking dogs, WBNS-TV reports. Nicole Acosta, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025 Recent decades have seen presidents from both parties erode laws and norms meant to restrain their power, increasingly without the sort of pushback from members of their own party that restrained their predecessors (including FDR). Lawrence Norden, TIME, 12 Feb. 2025 Moments later, another body camera captures the inmate restrained in handcuffs being carried face down by three officers — two at his arms, another at his legs — through the entryway. Thomas C. Zambito, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025 Mary got another domestic violence restraining order on Dec. 30, an order the court extended on Jan. 22. David J. Neal and, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for restrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain
Verb
  • Colleagues in a healthy workplace regulate what’s acceptable and what grates with thousands of social cues that most don’t consciously register.
    Anna Jankowska, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • In New York, one of the states that regulates lottery courier services, companies are expected – once they are licensed – to adhere to the state’s Gaming Commission’s regulations.
    Michelle Watson, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In return for the temporary dismissal of his indictment for bribery and fraud, Adams’ promised to assist the Trump administration in arresting migrants in New York City.
    Nick Akerman, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The sheriff said his priority would be working with ICE to arrest members of gangs, such as Tren de Aragua, or TDA, which is based in Venezuela and Bradshaw said has a presence in Miami.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • By the end of the 1970s, Mr. Coffee controlled fully half of the American coffee maker market.
    Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2025
  • By Rebecca Schneid February 28, 2025 10:35 AM EST U.S. consumers have been encouraged to participate in a 24-hour buying boycott today, targeting all economic activity—especially major retailers—as a way to show politicians that everyday consumers can control the economy.
    Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In a lightning three-week offensive, the M23 took control of eastern Congo's main city Goma and seized the second largest city, Bukavu.
    JANVIER BARHAHIGA AND MONIKA PRONCZUK THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Serving this warrant with a copy of the Affidavit, and making the search and if the person or property to be found there, to seize the person or the property and hold for safekeeping until further order of this court.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The film’s audio was previously also restored for home video from original Dolby Stereo archived 35mm magnetic film sources containing the separate dialogue, music and effects (DME) tracks.
    Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Be warned: This article includes hints and comments that may contain spoilers for today’s puzzle.
    New York Times Games, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Tari Eason scored 14 points and Dillon Brooks added 12. Sabonis’ injury Sabonis grabbed his left hamstring while running the floor just over a minute into the game.
    Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Lozano exited the match in the 28th minute after appearing to grab his left hamstring.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Two key themes have dominated campaigning: curbing mass migration and righting the country’s flailing economy.
    Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers have introduced bills to further curb police cooperation with immigration agents and to require schools to notify students, faculty and parents if agents are on-campus.
    Nicole Nixon, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The third suspect was apprehended within the hour and was injured when a police dog took him down in the area of Wilson Street and Sunnyside Avenue, Spagnolo said last week.
    Staff Reports, Hartford Courant, 17 Feb. 2025
  • He was then apprehended by two officers without any resistance, police said.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 15 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Restrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrain. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

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