1
as in regulates
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 seizes
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 restrains
According to projections made at the December meeting, that’s only about half a percentage point from the committee consensus on the neutral rate, or one that neither supports nor restrains growth.
—
Jeff Cox, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026
There are also possible free speech claims if the law restrains NIL opportunities and interferes with First Amendment freedom of expression.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Dec. 2025
Video shows the moment an officer in camouflage and tactical gear approaches an individual, after which another officer tackles the person, restrains them with plastic handcuffs, and leads them away.
—Hanna Park, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025
An 1878 law known as the Posse Comitatus Act generally restrains the use of the military for such purposes.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2025
In the footage, a Border Patrol agent is shown holding one man with his forearm across a man’s neck – and later, an FHP officer restrains the man who is tased, grabbing him around the neck area while the man is doubled down.
—Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrains
Verb
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According to Spark Biomedical, this stimulation regulates the nervous system and influences blood flow.—
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The commission regulates taxi rates, towing companies and aspects of ride-share companies, such as licensing, permits and safety requirements.—
Verb
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The slender but powerful book takes place over the course of a week, when Ma’s plans are suddenly imperiled while Boomba seizes the chance to make up for his past mistakes and help his family.—
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In the novel, Joan Goodwin, a physics professor with a lifelong love of the stars, seizes the chance to join NASA’s first class of women astronauts and soon finds friendship, passion, and purpose among her fellow trainees.—
Verb
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Use Paint to Refresh Cracked Wood Start by cleaning the wood with hot, soapy water that contains a degreasing agent.—
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DeFi advocates also want to ensure the market structure bill contains language allowing individuals to self-custody their crypto.—
Verb
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Bascombe is the one who arrests Jamie Miller (Cooper) under suspicion of murder.—
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Police officer Hugo Crussi (Vogrincic) traces the voice to a young preacher, Jonas Flores (Zurita), and arrests him.—
Verb
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But as the ball arrives the defender grabs the jersey with the right hand and pulls the defender down.—
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As one officer grabs at her door handle, a third officer who had circled to the front of the SUV from the opposite side draws his gun.—
Verb
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Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter This Utopia Bedding comforter keeps my bed looking super fluffy and cloud-like and gives my bedroom an expensive look.—
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Leave it to one of the best luggage brands to come out with a revolutionary zipper that is three times stronger than a traditional zipper, as well as an anti-microbial lining that keeps odor-causing bacteria from thriving.—
Verb
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Suppose the number is read in one case out of a hundred, and that the information reaches someone who apprehends the culprit in one case out of one thousand.—
Verb
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The state Department of Education controls public education, under the leadership of the governor and the Legislature.—
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The situation is not all that different from that along the Mississippi, Missouri or Tennessee rivers, where a series of dams controls water flow.—
Cite this Entry
“Restrains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrains. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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