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
These are the lessons that keep Wembanyama pushing to get back in the lineup when his knee was hyperextended earlier in the week and the Spurs want to put him in restraints for his own good.
—
Jared Weiss, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Practice restraint by knowing when to turn around, even after investing significant time and effort.
—Outside, 8 Jan. 2026
Barzani called on all sides to exercise restraint, protect civilians and pursue dialog.
—CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Whether on foreign or domestic policy, lawmakers have struggled to respond to an administration that moves with unfettered restraint and exceptional speed.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraint
Noun
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Eberflus’ best intentions and vision for winning football disintegrated due in part to his team’s lack of discipline and the coaching staff’s inability to steer out of even the smallest skids.—
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However, the Chinese researchers argue that those systems typically focus on fewer disciplines and often require manual adjustments when expanded.—
Noun
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Later that month, a judge lifted the restriction and ordered that Hildebrandt must put $100,000 from the potential sale in a bank account for the children, according to ABC7.—
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Local blackout restrictions for Marlins would be eliminated in that scenario.—
Noun
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On a single day in 1900, a former schoolteacher destroyed three saloons using bricks, rocks, and a billiard ball—all to advance the cause of temperance.—
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The financial incentive for airports and airlines to serve alcohol precludes temperance as a solution.—
Noun
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Critics accuse him of enabling repression and politicizing the armed forces, while supporters portray him as a stabilizing figure.—
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In June only Israel attacked Iran’s apparatus of repression.—
Noun
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China’s true constraints Beijing has not refrained from action against Taiwan out of deference to international law and norms.—
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That work—integrating hardware, software, sensors, safety systems, and real-world constraints—remains enormously difficult, slow, and capital-intensive.—
Noun
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His brands, including Juicy Fruit and Spearmint, promoted gum as a way to calm nerves, curb hunger and stay focused.—
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What's more, these effects also support brain health4, as the gut and brain are connected through a network of nerves called the gut-brain axis.—
Noun
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Most of those seeds require some bit of cold weather exposure or other mitigating factor to overcome the inhibition and set the stage for a more sensible spring germination.—
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The key is to relax, let go of your inhibitions, and just have fun.—
Noun
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Those limitations cost them more than Kornet, with Kristaps Porziņģis (traded to the Atlanta Hawks) and Al Horford (signed with the Golden State Warriors) also lost during the offseason.—
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While the limitations imposed by the ACA cannot be undone by executive order, Congress has the power to repeal them.—
Cite this Entry
“Restraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraint. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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