restrained

[ri-streynd] / rɪˈstreɪnd /

ADJECTIVE

calm, quiet

Synonyms

STRONGEST

discreet laid-back mild muted reasonable reticent subdued tasteful unobtrusive

STRONG

chilled controlled cool moderate plain retiring shrinking steady withdrawn

WEAK

bottled-up calm and collected conservative corked up in charge in check inobtrusive on a leash self-controlled soft temperate unaffable undemonstrative under control under wraps unexcessive unexpansive unextreme uptight

Antonyms

STRONGEST

communicative

STRONG

extroverted friendly outgoing

WEAK

assured bold confident

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“The deceased was a restrained driver involved in a single vehicle collision at a high rate of speed,” the report states.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

“Her heart was pierced because of what she would see,” Wille said, in what struck me as a moment of restrained insight.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

"Everything was there, but a little bit contained, a little bit restrained," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The public rhetoric around Taiwan last week remained carefully restrained.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

I wanted to reach out and smooth his hair, but I restrained my hand and only returned his greeting.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

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