Restraint
n.calm, thoughtfulformal
What it means
Deliberate control that prevents excessive action, expression, or force.
Reach for it when praising proportionate self-control rather than passivity
The mediator showed restraint and let the angry speaker finish.
Choose between these
6- everyday
a person governs an impulse
not when Self-control is personal, not stylistic.
- warm
excess is avoided through balance
not when Moderation concerns degree more than inhibition.
- professional
trained control supports a goal
not when Discipline is broader and sustained.
- formal
reserve
expression remains measured
not when Reserve can seem emotionally distant.
- literary
someone patiently declines retaliation
not when Forbearance specifically involves provocation.
- literary
understatement
artistic expression avoids excess
not when Understatement is a style, not impulse control.
Said against
3- excess
- impulsiveness
- indulgence
It naturally appears in
3- show restraint
Both sides showed restraint during the tense march.
- exercise restraint
Editors exercised restraint with the graphic images.
- admirable restraint
Her admirable restraint kept the criticism fair.