restrained

1 of 2

adjective

re·​strained ri-ˈstrānd How to pronounce restrained (audio)
Synonyms of restrainednext
: marked by restraint : not excessive or extravagant
restrainedly
ri-ˈstrā-nəd-lē How to pronounce restrained (audio)
adverb

restrained

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of restrain

Synonyms of restrained

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Adjective

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Examples of restrained in a Sentence

Adjective She was admired for her restrained behavior. a restrained style of architecture The room was decorated with restrained colors.
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Adjective
His answer was a restrained yet expressive material palette, anchored by rich walnut millwork and reflective surfaces that tie the rooms together. — Nicole Gates Anderson, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2026 Dishes quickly crowded the table, each showing the restrained elegance of that region’s cuisine. — Christopher Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2026 Her perspective—consistently serene and largely without self-interest—lends the novel a restrained and gently contemplative tone. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026 The hotel interprets this mantra through balanced proportions, restrained interiors, and a hospitality approach that favors comfort over excess. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restrained

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of restrained was in the 14th century

Rhymes for restrained

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Browse Nearby Words

restrainably
restrained
restrained beam
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Cite this Entry

“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restrained. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

restrained

adjective
re·​strained ri-ˈstrānd How to pronounce restrained (audio)
: marked by restraint : showing careful control
restrainedly
-ˈstrā-nəd-lē How to pronounce restrained (audio)
adverb
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