1
as in discipline
the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others
it will take a great deal of restraint to keep from telling her how ugly that dress is
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2
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice
civil libertarians contend that the new laws place too many restraints on our constitutionally guaranteed rights
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3
as in temperance
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
he shows very little restraint or tact when expressing his opinions about others
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restraint
The recall applies to specific models of Evenflo child restraint systems and travel systems.
—
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
But a loophole that legislators and advocates say was unintentional has meant that there is almost no public data about seclusion, while restraint data is more readily available.
—Melanie Asmar, The Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2025
Sullivan was arrested Wednesday and arraigned on charges of assault, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, reckless endangerment and cruelty to persons, according to police.
—Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 17 Mar. 2025
The end of an era of nuclear restraint is now dangerously in view.
—Anthony Lake, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
Noun
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The special section of Art Bulletin—which, as the discipline’s flagship journal, constitutes a semiofficial statement about AI’s importance in the field—devoted the majority of its space to critical commentary about the application of computer vision to works of art.—
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That discipline has helped broaden the National Rally’s appeal, especially in the aftermath of Macron’s defeat in the 2024 European elections.—
Noun
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Improper restriction and exclusion of ill food service employees.—
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There are no gestational age restrictions, although most abortions are performed during the first trimester and those after 23 weeks require specialized care.—
Noun
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For example, research at the Ivey Business School reveals that temperance (being calm, composed, patient, prudent, and self-controlled) is one of the weakest character dimensions for many people.—
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Americans joined for all kinds of purposes, from pursuing hobbies like music, to advocating such extremely controversial and divisive causes as temperance, peace, and the abolition of slavery.—
Noun
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Reflecting on the circumstances that led to his detainment, Khalil accused the federal government of Palestinian repression, and the current and former presidents of Columbia of paving the way for the Trump administration.—
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Speaking at the rally, Brown University student Kai Blades called the deportation part of a broader pattern of political repression.—
Noun
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Meanwhile, frontline institutions are facing severe resource constraints: The World Food Programme is facing an $8.1 billion shortfall leading to the closure of its Southern Africa office, and slashed rations for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.—
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That’s partly due to the constraints of the U.S. health care system.—
Noun
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The robot is designed to treat complex patient problems in the field of reconstructive surgery, lymphatic surgery, peripheral nerve repair and trauma.—
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Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth and regulating nerve function.—
Noun
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Those raising awareness of the Arabic Facebook posts feel no such inhibition.—
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However, there are widespread inhibitions against the use of fast chargers, as they’re widely believed to reduce the total lifespan of an EV battery – although there is currently little data to support the theory.—
Noun
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The meeting in Dubai was no crisis summit sparked by Red Bull’s tough start to the season, which has also seen Verstappen struggle to compete with the dominant McLarens due to the limitations of his car.—
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Much more work will be needed to overcome those limitations.—
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
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