1
as in controlling
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 arresting
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
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Recent Examples of restraining
Today, oil and shipping reporter Weilun Soon says the mayhem in the Persian Gulf doesn’t bode well for both ending the war and restraining crude prices.
—
Weilun Soon, Bloomberg, 20 Apr. 2026
The security team and members of the church assisted the guard in restraining Mbwavi.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026
In the rush by corporations to monetize AI investment by increasing efficiency and reducing workforce costs, restraining a surge of AI takeovers is a concern.
—Greg Mellen, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
Keller police have charged a Shady Grove Elementary special education teacher with unlawfully restraining a 4‑year‑old student after investigators corroborated a parent's report with statements from school staff.
—Doug Myers, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
On Sunday, a video appearing to show immigration agents restraining a crying woman in front of her child at San Francisco International Airport circulated on social media platforms.
—Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026
The spike in oil prices risks adding to inflationary pressures and restraining the economy.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026
Jax did not bother restraining emotion.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
But if the rate of growth in broad money is controlled, then higher spending on oil and gasoline will be offset by lower spending on other items, restraining overall inflation.
—Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
Weilun Soon, Bloomberg, 20 Apr. 2026
The security team and members of the church assisted the guard in restraining Mbwavi.
—Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026
In the rush by corporations to monetize AI investment by increasing efficiency and reducing workforce costs, restraining a surge of AI takeovers is a concern.
—Greg Mellen, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
Keller police have charged a Shady Grove Elementary special education teacher with unlawfully restraining a 4‑year‑old student after investigators corroborated a parent's report with statements from school staff.
—Doug Myers, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
On Sunday, a video appearing to show immigration agents restraining a crying woman in front of her child at San Francisco International Airport circulated on social media platforms.
—Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026
The spike in oil prices risks adding to inflationary pressures and restraining the economy.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026
Jax did not bother restraining emotion.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
But if the rate of growth in broad money is controlled, then higher spending on oil and gasoline will be offset by lower spending on other items, restraining overall inflation.
—Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraining
Verb
-
Till the final whistle, or James’ final words, leaving Toyota Center on Friday with a controlling advantage en route to a potential second-round showdown with the defending champs, that desperation was evident.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The company completed a recapitalization in October that cemented its structure as a nonprofit with a controlling stake in its for-profit business.—
Ashley Capoot,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The affidavit further alleges that Bell gave arresting officers the name of her older sister.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The Houston Police Department’s policy has barred officers from arresting or detaining someone based on immigration status since 1990.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At the local level, laws and practices regulating gun dealers can vary widely from city to city.—
Connor Sheets,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In much the same way, the government could pass new laws regulating AI firms’ commercial activities.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Jaden McDaniels and the Minnesota Timberwolves flexed even more of their defensive muscle against the flagging Denver Nuggets, seizing a 2-1 lead in the first-round NBA playoff series with a dominant 113-96 victory on Thursday night.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
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Multiple videos show a masked federal agent seizing a 57-year-old woman, who says she was put in a chokehold, during the protest in Durango.—
Morgan Lee,
Denver Post,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While his hedge fund invested in fossil fuels, Steyer spent millions to protect a California law aimed at curbing planet-warming emissions.—
Sophie Austin,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, a group dedicated to hunters and fisherman, helped develop and pass the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act, which authorizes an annual $70 million investment through 2028 to fund research aimed at curbing the spread of the disease.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Jaguars used their first pick of the NFL draft to land the blocking tight end Friday night, grabbing him in the second round with the 56th selection.—
Mark Long,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The Seahawks stayed put yet again at the end of the second round, grabbing TCU safety Bud Clark with the 64th pick.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Leaving Italy for Paris, Jarmusch said the Italian equivalent of TSA had asked him what was in the box containing his Golden Lion.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
30 Apr. 2026
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Ceasar Mitchell, an attorney representing KMT, told the DAFC board that Council member Linda Pritchett, who represents the district containing the Project Mapco site, wrote a letter in support of the tax break.—
Zachary Hansen,
AJC.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Aided by the Coast Guard's Cutter Florence Finch, Air and Marine Operations' Long Beach Marine Unit crew intercepted the boat near San Nicolas Island, apprehending 29 Mexican nationals.—
Robert McGreevy,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
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Just before the 2026 season, former Glory defensive tackle and eight-time All-Pro Syreeta Gapelu brought even more attention to the team by tackling and apprehending a man attempting to steal her car.—
PJ Green
April 16,
Kansas City Star,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restraining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraining. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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