restrained
Kept in check
Restrained describes something held back or kept in check.
A restrained response is measured rather than emotional.
Restrained colors are muted, not bold.
A restrained performance shows discipline and control.
The word suggests deliberate moderation—someone or something capable of more but choosing less: His grief was restrained but visible.
Having strict self-control
- regulatedMade to follow rules
- measuredCarefully considered, unhurried
- moderatedRestrained or supervised
- temperedStrengthened through heat treatment
checked · curbed · bridled · contained · governed · managed · suppressed · inhibited
Made quieter or softer
- understatedDeliberately minimized in expression
- subtleNot immediately obvious
- toned-downMade less extreme
- low-keyRestrained and understated
soft · quiet · mellow · tempered · unobtrusive · modest · minimalist · neutral
Secured or destined
- tiedFastened by knotting
- shackledBound with metal restraints
- fetteredBound in chains
- handcuffedWrists locked together
pinioned · strapped · secured · immobilized · confined · held · pinned · tethered
Disinclined to speak freely
- guardedWary and restrained
- aloofEmotionally withdrawn, uninviting
- taciturnHabitually uncommunicative
- uncommunicativeUnwilling to share thoughts
private · withdrawn · undemonstrative · cool · distant · detached · tight-lipped · close-mouthed
Confined within limits
- curtailedCut short prematurely
- circumscribedConfined within bounds
- confinedKept within bounds
- cappedGiven a maximum limit
narrowed · finite · controlled · rationed · regulated · metered · allocated · budgeted
Calm and self-possessed
- sereneUntroubled and composed
- tranquilCalm and untroubled
- placidCalm, undisturbed
- unruffledEmotionally undisturbed, placid
coolheaded · collected · poised · even-tempered · imperturbable · equanimous · steady · unflustered
disciplined
Having strict self-control
- regulatedMade to follow rules
- measuredCarefully considered, unhurried
- moderatedRestrained or supervised
tempered · checked · curbed · bridled · contained · governed · managed · suppressed · inhibited · self-controlled
muted
Made quieter or softer
- understatedDeliberately minimized in expression
- subtleNot immediately obvious
- toned-downMade less extreme
low-key · soft · quiet · mellow · tempered · unobtrusive · modest · minimalist · neutral · sober
bound
Secured or destined
handcuffed · pinioned · strapped · secured · immobilized · confined · held · pinned · tethered · manacled
reticent
Disinclined to speak freely
uncommunicative · private · withdrawn · undemonstrative · cool · distant · detached · tight-lipped · close-mouthed · unforthcoming
bounded
Confined within limits
- curtailedCut short prematurely
- circumscribedConfined within bounds
- confinedKept within bounds
capped · narrowed · finite · controlled · rationed · regulated · metered · allocated · budgeted
composed
Calm and self-possessed
unruffled · coolheaded · collected · poised · even-tempered · imperturbable · equanimous · steady · unflustered · level
- silencequiet, silent, mute, hush, stillness
- restrainedreserved, subdued, controlled, muted, inhibited
- captivitycaptive, prisoner, detained, imprisoned, incarcerated
- cautioncareful, be careful, cautious, caution, watch out
- elegantchic, stylish, refined, tasteful, elegant
- gentlegentle, mild, soft, tender, meek
restrainedunrestrained
Not held back
wild · impulsive · uninhibited · reckless · unbridled
restrainedflashy
Showy, often tastelessly so
ostentatious · gaudy · garish · flamboyant · showy
restrainedeffusive
Unrestrainedly emotional in expression
demonstrative · unrestrained · outgoing · extroverted · exuberant
- restraining orderCourt-enforced avoidance mandate
- child restraint systemVehicle seating for minors
- temporary restraining orderEmergency court-issued protection mandate
- child restraintSafety device securing young passengers
- without restraint
- head restraintVehicle neck protection device
restrain, restraint, restraining, unrestrained, restrains, self-restraint, restrainer, restraining order