Synonyms of restrained

restrained 1 of 2

adjective

ri-ˈstrānd 

as in muted

not excessively showy

a restrained but elegant black purse

Synonyms & Similar Words

• muted
• subdued
• quiet
• repressed
• understated
• conservative
• proper
• simple
• low-key
• appropriate
• sober
• fitting
• unpretentious
• unflashy
• suitable
• toned-down
• modest
• handsome
• graceful
• plain
• becoming
• unadorned
• fit
• unobtrusive
• sensible
• inconspicuous
• undecorated
• tasteful
• practical
• unnoticeable
• drab
• refined
• mousy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loud
• flamboyant
• noisy
• gaudy
• ostentatious
• flashy
• garish
• glitzy
• swank
• splashy
• flaring
• meretricious
• vulgar
• tawdry
• fancy
• tacky
• tasteless
• inelegant
• gilded
• ornate
• trashy
• baroque
• razzle-dazzle
• graceless
• rococo
• overwrought
• frilly
• overdecorated
• overdone

restrained

2 of 2

verb

past tense of restrain

1

as in controlled

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

• controlled
• regulated
• contained
• curbed
• kept
• constrained
• measured
• suppressed
• stifled
• tamed
• inhibited
• governed
• ruled
• held
• checked
• stopped
• bridled
• pulled in
• interrupted
• reined (in)
• repressed
• swallowed
• smothered
• muffled
• arrested
• strangled
• hampered
• hindered
• minced
• impeded
• choked (back)
• held back
• blocked
• silenced
• obstructed
• squelched
• handcuffed
• sank
• pocketed
• muzzled
• bottled (up)
• gagged

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lost
• liberated
• loosened
• expressed
• unleashed
• took out
• aired
• loosed
• vented

2

as in arrested

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

• arrested
• seized
• grabbed
• apprehended
• detained
• captured
• pinched
• committed
• nailed
• collared
• nicked
• jailed
• ran in
• snatched
• pulled in
• confined
• caught
• imprisoned
• nabbed
• trapped
• busted
• picked up
• incarcerated
• handcuffed
• bound
• snapped (up)
• fettered
• shackled
• grappled
• locked (up)
• hooked
• snared
• landed
• held
• bagged
• interned
• manacled
• got
• immured
• trammeled
• enchained
• rearrested
• jugged
• remanded

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharged
• liberated
• released
• freed
• loosened
• emancipated
• sprang
• loosed
• unbound
• unchained

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of restrained

Adjective

The statements were positive but restrained, reflecting the pain inflicted by this saga. — Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2026

His restrained demeanor contrasts with Moreno, the brash former car dealer who entered politics as an outsider. — Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Verb

At the house, Sierra restrained Machado, tying her hands behind her back, the prosecutor said. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026

Designer Haley Lankau of Studious Design, working with Stocki Design, kept the interiors relatively restrained, with custom millwork, natural stone, and integrated Miele appliances. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026