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chilled controlled cool moderate plain retiring shrinking steady withdrawn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

Researchers did not find a connection between emotional or restrained eating scores at the start of treatment and final treatment outcomes after one year.

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

Through the whole of Mammachi’s outburst he remained restrained and strangely composed.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy

Vocabulary lists containing restrained

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

100 Top "SAT" Words

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 5

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!