restrained

[ri-streynd] / rɪˈstreɪnd /

ADJECTIVE

calm, quiet

Synonyms

STRONGEST

discreet laid-back mild muted reasonable reticent subdued tasteful unobtrusive

STRONG

chilled controlled cool moderate plain retiring shrinking steady withdrawn

WEAK

bottled-up calm and collected conservative corked up in charge in check inobtrusive on a leash self-controlled soft temperate unaffable undemonstrative under control under wraps unexcessive unexpansive unextreme uptight

Antonyms

STRONGEST

communicative

STRONG

extroverted friendly outgoing

WEAK

assured bold confident

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.

While Fraser delivers an external performance as the tough American general, Scott offers a restrained, mostly tamped-down depiction of the repressed and methodical Stagg.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

At one point when being spoken to by the referee he even had to be restrained by an official.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

While restrained eating can support weight loss when balanced, extreme restriction can sometimes contribute to unhealthy eating behaviors.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2026

Instead, he suffered a minor knee injury after he "fell to the ground, was restrained by law enforcement, and was placed under arrest," the department said.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

Understand that restrained is usually better than expansive and that unhinged almost never works.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

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