RESTRAINT Synonyms: 107 Similar and Opposite Words

restraint

noun

ri-ˈstrānt

Definition of restraint

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 For 70 minutes, Paraguay had played with corseted restraint, frustrating France with organisation, concentration and no little gamesmanship. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026 Game, Set, Match — Ralph Lauren The commercial strength of Ralph Lauren’s Wimbledon strategy lies in its restraint. — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Governors in Colorado and New Mexico this week urged restraint, while cities and counties from the Southwest to Oregon and Washington have imposed restrictions of their own. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 Under an existing state appropriations restraint, also known as the Gann Limit, lawmakers cannot spend more than an amount determined by a formula that takes annual tax proceeds, changes to the population and cost of living into consideration. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for restraint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint

Noun

Last fall, Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island became the first in the country to launch an in person, three-year bachelor’s degree in specific disciplines.

— Editorial, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026
In Aries, the taskmaster planet brings maturity and discipline to a Fire sign associated with independence, impulse and passion.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Definition of discipline

Noun

Her remarks come amid mounting allegations that military restrictions slowed aid deliveries and prevented civilians—and in some cases rescue crews—from getting to critical areas during the early phase of the emergency.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Davidson is one of several parents who are a part of a local movement to advocate for more regulation and restrictions on using technology in classrooms.

— Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

Definition of restriction

Noun

In the winter of 1920, the United States entered Prohibition in the United States after years of campaigning by temperance groups who believed alcohol sat at the root of many social ills.

— Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Another was promoting temperance realizing alcoholism could destroy families.

— Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026

Definition of temperance

Noun

Anderson Daniel Salcedo Lozano, 22, grew up amid the chaos of the Maduro years, which were marked by long lines for bread and medicine, rising infant mortality, spiraling inflation and the violent repression of protests.

— Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
In Venezuela, where confidence in institutions had already eroded after years of economic collapse and political repression, the earthquake may be accelerating that process.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026

Definition of repression

Noun

Her colleague Maria Amato adds a harder constraint — the most effective leadership development happens on the job, inside the relationships management layers exist to create.

— Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
How supply chains are slowing defense production S&P Global Ratings found the same constraint.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 1 July 2026

Definition of constraint

Noun

Put inhibitions aside to experience the latest episode of Doc Talk, hosted by John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, Shirley), and Matt Carey, Deadline’s senior documentary editor.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 June 2026
Darkness removes that inhibition and allows the pineal gland to release melatonin.

— Sally Ibrahim, The Conversation, 23 June 2026

Definition of inhibition

Noun

There won't be any ticket limitations per customer, and parking will be free.

— Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 30 June 2026
The researchers addressed that limitation by increasing the surface area of the carbon electrode and loading it with vanadium oxide, a material that can store a large amount of energy.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026

Definition of limitation

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restrains

restraint

restraints

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“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of restraint

noun

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