1
as in regulates
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
the victim's family members were unable to restrain their emotions upon hearing the verdict
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in seizes
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
the suspect was restrained and taken to an undisclosed location
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 restrains
Video shows the moment an officer in camouflage and tactical gear approaches an individual, after which another officer tackles the person, restrains them with plastic handcuffs, and leads them away.
—
Hanna Park, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
An 1878 law known as the Posse Comitatus Act generally restrains the use of the military for such purposes.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2025
In the footage, a Border Patrol agent is shown holding one man with his forearm across a man’s neck – and later, an FHP officer restrains the man who is tased, grabbing him around the neck area while the man is doubled down.
—Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2025
That line of reasoning is intended to assert that NASCAR promotes, not restrains, competition in the marketplace and has created a product very popular with fans, sponsors and TV networks.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019
Hanna Park, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
An 1878 law known as the Posse Comitatus Act generally restrains the use of the military for such purposes.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2025
In the footage, a Border Patrol agent is shown holding one man with his forearm across a man’s neck – and later, an FHP officer restrains the man who is tased, grabbing him around the neck area while the man is doubled down.
—Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2025
That line of reasoning is intended to assert that NASCAR promotes, not restrains, competition in the marketplace and has created a product very popular with fans, sponsors and TV networks.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrains
Verb
-
Today, the Coco de Mer is so revered that the government regulates it like a cultural treasure.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
22 Oct. 2025
-
The Federal Railroad Administration regulates the operation of the gate.—
Kaitlyn Tiffany,
The Atlantic,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Dolores notices they are gone and begins to lash out, and Abby seizes an opportunity to knock Dolores out.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Continue reading … CRYPTO CRACKDOWN – DOJ seizes record $15 billion in Bitcoin in largest US forfeiture ever.—
,
FOXNews.com,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Project Cloud Nita Platform Sneakers The Nita has a platform that lifts you about two inches and contains a cushiony memory foam insole for your heels to sink into.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Angela has the nation’s largest indigenous seed bank, which contains hundreds, if not over a thousand, different seeds that have been donated by people.—
J.M. Banks,
Kansas City Star,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
After Grace quotes Zooey Deschanel's character, Thames grabs her face and kisses her out of the frame.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Another strong Lions performance could mark a turning point this season where Detroit grabs control of the division and doesn't look back.—
Nick Meyer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
By refusing to specify details of the case, the government keeps the possibility alive of changing their reasoning or their claims to have the same effect for different reasons—just as the mob changes its reasoning for killing Cinna.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Oct. 2025
-
The 61-year-old loves the hunt, and sifting through old belongings and hidden gems is what keeps him going.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Suppose the number is read in one case out of a hundred, and that the information reaches someone who apprehends the culprit in one case out of one thousand.—
Thomas Brewster,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Advertisement The vote could therefore play a key role in deciding who controls the House after the midterms.—
Richard Hall,
Time,
25 Oct. 2025
-
China controls about 70 percent of rare earth mining and 90 percent of separation and processing.—
Young Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Pinault family owns 42 percent of shares in Kering and detains 59 percent of voting rights.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The play is set in the real-life town of Lumpkin, whose economy has become reliant on a private prison that detains immigrants.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restrains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrains. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share