restraint | Definition of restraint

1 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

Synonyms of restraint

constraint, continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, repression, reserve, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression

Words Related to restraint

command, control, mastery, possession

self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower

composure, self-poise, self-possession

aloofness, detachedness, distance

bashfulness, modesty, shyness

reticence, silence, taciturnity

Near Antonyms of restraint

self-abandonment, uninhibitedness

unrestrainedness

gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence

bluntness, candor, frankness

immoderacy, intemperance

Antonyms of restraint

disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint

2 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

Synonyms of restraint

check, circumscription, condition, constraint, curb, fetter, limitation, restriction, stricture

Words Related to restraint

exception, proviso, qualification, reservation, stipulation, strings

ban, prohibition, proscription

Near Antonyms of restraint

freedom, latitude

3 the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions

he shows very little restraint or tact when expressing his opinions about others

Synonyms of restraint

continence, self-command, self-containment, self-control, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, self-possession, self-restraint, will, willpower

Words Related to restraint

self-abnegation, self-denial

moderateness, moderation, temperance, temperateness

determination, nerve

command, control, discipline, mastery

abnegation, abstention, avoidance, eschewal, forbearance

abstinence, soberness, sobriety

aplomb, assurance, composure, confidence, coolness, equanimity, poise, self-confidence

discretion

Near Antonyms of restraint

gratification, indulgence, self-indulgence

excessiveness, immoderacy, intemperance, intemperateness, overindulgence

demerit, failing, fault, feebleness, foible, frailty, shortcoming, vice, weakness

indiscipline, unconstraint, unreserve, unreservedness, unrestraint

Synonyms and Antonyms of restraint

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