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Definitions

restraint

[ri-streynt] / rɪˈstreɪnt /
NOUN
self-control
Synonyms
STRONGEST
caution constraint control moderation restriction self-discipline self-restraint
STRONG
abstemiousness abstinence coercion command compulsion confines coolness curtailment economy forbearance grip hindrance hold inhibition limitation prevention repression reserve secretiveness self-denial self-government self-possession silence suppression unnaturalness withholding
Antonyms
STRONG
aid assistance freedom help indulgence liberty release self-indulgence
WEAK
agitation arousal liberation wildness
NOUN
limitation; something that holds
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ban constraint curb embargo limit prohibition reduction restriction
STRONG
abridgment arrest bar barrier bondage bridle captivity chains check command confinement cramp decrease deprivation detention determent deterrence fetters hindrance impediment imprisonment instruction interdict manacles obstacle obstruction order pinions rein repression rope stop stoppage straitjacket string taboo weight
Antonyms
STRONGEST
allowance enlargement permission
STRONG
advantage aid assistance beginning continuation encouragement expansion freedom go help independence indulgence liberation liberty license promotion release start support
WEAK
agitation arousal wildness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Thomas Friedman, a prominent New York Times opinion columnist, authored a piece this week titled “Anthropic’s Restraint Is a Terrifying Warning Sign.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

Appeared in the December 10, 2025, print edition as 'A Welcome Restraint on Mass Torts'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 9, 2025

The investigation includes the Lethal Restraint interactive story, database and the documentary, “Documenting Police Use Of Force,” which premiered April 30 on PBS and is available online.

From Seattle Times • May 14, 2024

Restraint is “a practice that is pretty widespread here, and it doesn’t need to be that way,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2024

Mr. Scamander’s work with the Dragon Research and Restraint Bureau led to many research trips abroad, during which he collected information for his worldwide bestseller Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

From "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by J.K. Rowling

Vocabulary lists containing restraint

Theodore Roosevelt on "New Nationalism" (1910)

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Excerpts from "Jacobson v. Massachusetts"

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Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 4

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