adj Uncommon

restrained

rih-STRAYND

Restrained (adj) means Kept under control; not showing strong emotion or excess. Example: “His restrained reaction surprised everyone given the bad news.”

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adj

Kept under control; not showing strong emotion or excess.

"His restrained reaction surprised everyone given the bad news."

"The room had a restrained, elegant decor."

How to use restrained

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHeld back or controlled, often describing calm behavior or understated style.

Common pairings

restrained tone restrained elegance remain restrained

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Comparative: more restrained
Superlative: most restrained

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His _____ reaction surprised everyone given the bad news.

Synonyms

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low-key understated

Related words

slightly plain subtle low-key understated histrionic saccharine eye catching

Rhymes for restrained

lined mined gained joined ruined pained refined stained defined trained drained chained

See all rhymes for restrained →

Frequently asked questions

What does “restrained” mean?

The word “restrained” means kept under control; not showing strong emotion or excess. In plain terms, held back or controlled, often describing calm behavior or understated style.

How do you pronounce “restrained”?

“Restrained” is pronounced rih-STRAYND (/ɹɪˈstɹeɪnd/ in IPA).

How do you use “restrained” in a sentence?

Here is “restrained” used in a sentence: “His restrained reaction surprised everyone given the bad news.”

What is another word for “restrained”?

Words with a similar meaning to “restrained” include low-key and understated.

What part of speech is “restrained”?

“Restrained” is an adjective.

Is “restrained” a common word?

“Restrained” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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