English Synonyms for Restraint and Moderation Vocabulary Words – Online Quiz!

abnegate (verb) /ˈabnɪɡeɪt/
Meaning: It implies a conscious decision to deny oneself something that one may desire or need, in favor of something else.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abnegate?
Options: renounce; embrace; claim; pursue
Answer: renounce
Synonyms: abandon; abdicate; abstain; concede; decline; deny; eschew; forgo; forsake; sacrifice
Example: "He chose to abnegate his desires for the sake of his family."

abstain (verb) /əbˈsteɪn/
Meaning: When someone abstains from something, they choose not to participate in it, often for reasons related to personal choice, principles, health, or moral beliefs.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abstain?
Options: refrain; indulge; partake; engage
Answer: refrain
Synonyms: avoid; decline; desist; eschew; forbear; forgo; renounce; resist; shun; withhold
Example: "He chose to abstain from alcohol for his health."

abstemious (adjective) /əbˈstiːmɪəs/
Meaning: A person who is abstemious is someone who is moderate in their consumption of alcohol, and is also someone who eats very little or is careful about what they eat.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abstemious?
Options: temperate; indulgent; gluttonous; unrestrained
Answer: temperate
Synonyms: abstentious; abstinent; ascetic; austere; frugal; moderate; sparing; temperate
Example: "His abstemious lifestyle, free of excess, sets a healthy example."

abstinence (noun) /ˈabstɪnəns/
Meaning: The most common usage of the term is in reference to sexual behavior, where abstinence refers to refraining from sexual activity.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abstinence?
Options: restraint; indulgence; participation; involvement
Answer: restraint
Synonyms: abstemiousness; abstention; asceticism; avoidance; continence; forbearance; moderation; restraint; sobriety; teetotalism; temperance
Example: "Abstinence from alcohol is a personal choice for many individuals."

ascetic (adjective) /əˈsɛtɪk/
Meaning: It is often associated with religious or spiritual practices, where adherents may choose to live a simple and austere life in order to focus on their spiritual growth and development.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ascetic?
Options: disciplined; hedonistic; indulgent; extravagant
Answer: disciplined
Synonyms: abstemious; austere; celibate; monastic; monkish; puritanical; Spartan; stern; strict
Example: "The ascetic monk lived in solitude, detached from worldly desires."

austerity (noun) /ɔːˈstɛrɪti/
Meaning: Austerity measures often involve cutting back on public services, welfare programs, or other forms of government spending, and they are often implemented during times of economic crisis or in response to high levels of debt.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to austerity?
Options: severity; extravagance; luxury; opulence
Answer: severity
Synonyms: asceticism; discipline; economy; frugality; hardship; harshness; moderation; plainness; privation; prudence; restraint; rigor
Example: "They lived a simple life of austerity with very few creature comforts."

celibate (adjective) /ˈsɛlɪbət/
Meaning: Celibacy is often associated with religious or personal reasons, such as vows taken by clergy in some religious traditions to remain celibate as a commitment to their faith.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to celibate?
Options: chaste; promiscuous; indulgent; active
Answer: chaste
Synonyms: abstinent; chaste; continent; innocent; maiden; pure; single; unmarried; virgin; virginal
Example: "The celibate priest devoted his life to spiritual service."

constraint (noun) /kənˈstreɪnt/
Meaning: It can be a physical, social, or psychological limitation that inhibits or prevents someone or something from performing or behaving in a particular way.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to constraint?
Options: restriction; freedom; liberty; autonomy
Answer: restriction
Synonyms: check; curb; damper; deterrent; hindrance; inhibition; refrainment; restraint; suppression
Example: "The budgetary constraint limited their project's scope."

curb (verb) /kɜrb/
Meaning: When you curb something, you exert a degree of control over it, imposing restrictions or regulations to keep it within certain boundaries.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to curb?
Options: restrain; encourage; release; free
Answer: restrain
Synonyms: check; control; govern; limit; manage; regulate; rein; restrain; restrict; suppress; tame
Example: "The city implemented new traffic regulations to curb reckless driving."

curtail (verb) /kəːˈteɪl/
Meaning: When you curtail something, you take measures to cut it back or restrict it, typically to control its scope, duration, or impact.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to curtail?
Options: reduce; extend; prolong; increase
Answer: reduce
Synonyms: abridge; chop; clip; decrease; diminish; lessen; shorten; slash; trim; truncate
Example: "The company decided to curtail its expenses to improve profitability."

decline (verb) /dɪˈklaɪn/
Meaning: It implies a deliberate decision to turn down an offer, invitation, or opportunity.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to decline?
Options: refuse; accept; agree; embrace
Answer: refuse
Synonyms: deny; disapprove; dismiss; disregard; rebuff; refuse; reject; repudiate; resist; spurn; waive
Example: "She had to decline the invitation due to a prior commitment."

desist (verb) /dɪˈsɪst/
Meaning: It can also imply a cessation of an activity that is considered harmful, dangerous, or illegal.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to desist?
Options: stop; continue; persist; proceed
Answer: stop
Synonyms: abandon; abstain; avoid; cease; discontinue; end; halt; pause; quit; refrain; resign; yield
Example: "Please desist from making loud noises in the library."

economical (adjective) /ˌɛk əˈnɒm ɪ kəl/
Meaning: When applied to a product, process, or decision, "economical" signifies an approach that minimizes waste and maximizes utility.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to economical?
Options: thrifty; wasteful; extravagant; lavish
Answer: thrifty
Synonyms: careful; conserving; economizing; parsimonious; prudent; saving; scrimping; sparing; thrifty
Example: "She was very economical in her use of resources."

fetter (verb) /ˈfɛt ər/
Meaning: When you fetter someone or something, you are effectively placing them in a state of bondage or limitation, preventing them from moving freely or achieving their full potential.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to fetter?
Options: shackle; liberate; free; unchain
Answer: shackle
Synonyms: bind; chain; confine; handcuff; immobilize; leash; manacle; shackle; tether; trammel
Example: "The heavy chains fetter the prisoner's movement."

forbear (verb) /fɔrˈbɛər/
Meaning: It involves exercising restraint, tolerance, or patience in response to a challenging or tempting situation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to forbear?
Options: abstain; indulge; partake; engage
Answer: abstain
Synonyms: abstain; control; curb; desist; endure; refrain; resist; restrain; suppress; tolerate; withhold
Example: "Despite the insult, she chose to forbear and respond with kindness."

frugality (noun) /fruˈgæl ɪ ti/
Meaning: It embodies a mindset and lifestyle characterized by prudence, simplicity, and a focus on making efficient choices to avoid waste and unnecessary expenses.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to frugality?
Options: thrift; extravagance; wastefulness; lavishness
Answer: thrift
Synonyms: conservation; economy; frugalness; moderation; parsimony; prudence; restraint; saving; scrimping; thrift; thriftiness
Example: "Frugality is a virtue that promotes mindful spending and resource management."

inhibit (verb) /ɪnˈhɪbɪt/
Meaning: It involves suppressing or hindering a natural process or behavior.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to inhibit?
Options: hinder; encourage; permit; facilitate
Answer: hinder
Synonyms: bridle; constrain; curb; debar; forbid; frustrate; hinder; impede; obstruct; prohibit
Example: "Strict regulations can inhibit small businesses."

moderate (adjective) /ˈmɒd(ə)rət/
Meaning: It can also describe something that is not extreme, but rather is balanced, moderate, or centrist in nature.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to moderate?
Options: balanced; extreme; excessive; radical
Answer: balanced
Synonyms: calm; medium; mild; modest; neutral; reasonable; restrained; sensible; steady; temperate
Example: "She maintains a moderate lifestyle, neither extravagant nor frugal."

moderation (noun) /ˌmɒdəˈreɪʃn/
Meaning: It is often used to describe a balanced approach to life, such as moderation in one's diet, alcohol consumption, or exercise routine.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to moderation?
Options: restraint; excess; extremism; indulgence
Answer: restraint
Synonyms: balance; constraint; discipline; equanimity; mildness; patience; restraint; temperance
Example: "He practiced moderation in all aspects of his life."

refrain (verb) /rɪˈfreɪn/
Meaning: When someone refrains from something, they consciously choose to hold back or restrain themselves from taking action.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to refrain?
Options: abstain; partake; indulge; engage
Answer: abstain
Synonyms: abstain; avoid; cease; check; control; curb; desist; eschew; forbear; renounce; restrain; stop
Example: "Please refrain from using your phone during the meeting."

restrained (adjective) /rɪˈstreɪnd/
Meaning: When something or someone is described as restrained, it implies a sense of holding back, avoiding excessive or impulsive actions, or exercising discipline.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to restrained?
Options: controlled; unrestrained; excessive; uncontrolled
Answer: controlled
Synonyms: composed; contained; controlled; disciplined; inhibited; measured; moderate; reserved; subdued; temperate
Example: "The artwork had a restrained color palette, with subtle shades of gray and blue."

restraint (noun) /rɪˈstreɪnt/
Meaning: It can also refer to a physical device or method used to restrict or control movement, such as handcuffs or a straitjacket.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to restraint?
Options: control; abandon; recklessness; impulsiveness
Answer: control
Synonyms: abstinence; check; composure; constraint; control; curtailment; discipline; inhibition; limitation; moderation; prevention; reserve
Example: "Exercising restraint is key in avoiding impulsive decisions."

skimp (verb) /skɪmp/
Meaning: When one "skimps" on something, they fail to allocate the necessary amount of resources to complete a task or fulfill a need.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to skimp?
Options: economize; lavish; squander; waste
Answer: economize
Synonyms: conserve; economize; husband; manage; pinch; preserve; scamp; scant; scrimp; withhold
Example: "His sober assessment of the situation was appreciated."

sober (adjective) /ˈsəʊbə/
Meaning: It is often used to describe someone who is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and is therefore able to think and act in a rational and responsible manner.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sober?
Options: clear-headed; intoxicated; drunk; inebriated
Answer: clear-headed
Synonyms: abstinent; composed; lucid; rational; reasonable; restrained; solemn; steady; straight
Example: "The doctor gave a sober diagnosis of the patient's condition."

sobriety (noun) /səˈbrʌɪəti/
Meaning: However, sobriety encompasses more than just abstaining from substance use; it also conveys a sense of seriousness, self-restraint, and rationality in one's actions, demeanor, and lifestyle.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sobriety?
Options: clarity; intoxication; inebriation; drunkenness
Answer: clarity
Synonyms: abstinence; asceticism; discipline; forbearance; nonindulgence; restraint; teetotal; temperance
Example: "His sobriety allowed him to make sound decisions."

sparing (adjective) /ˈspɛrɪŋ/
Meaning: It can also mean being economical or frugal in the use of resources or materials.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sparing?
Options: frugal; wasteful; extravagant; lavish
Answer: frugal
Synonyms: cautious; conservative; conserving; economical; frugal; judicious; meager; modest; parsimonious; preserving; restrained; scant
Example: "She used sparing amounts of salt in the recipe."

stifle (verb) /ˈstʌɪfl/
Meaning: It can also refer to the physical act of suffocating or choking someone or something.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to stifle?
Options: suppress; encourage; promote; stimulate
Answer: suppress
Synonyms: curb; extinguish; hush; muffle; prevent; repress; restrain; silence; stop; strangle; suffocate
Example: "She had to stifle her laughter during the serious meeting."

subdue (verb) /səbˈdu/
Meaning: When someone or something is subdued, it implies that resistance or opposition has been successfully tamed or suppressed, resulting in submission or compliance.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to subdue?
Options: conquer; liberate; release; empower
Answer: conquer
Synonyms: conquer; master; overcome; overpower; pacify; quell; repress; restrain; subjugate; suppress
Example: "The magician used misdirection to subdue the audience's curiosity."

suppress (verb) /səˈprɛs/
Meaning: This verb is often used to describe actions taken to control or stop the spread of something undesirable, such as a disease, an uprising, or information.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to suppress?
Options: restrain; reveal; disclose; express
Answer: restrain
Synonyms: censor; check; control; inhibit; quell; silence; smother; squash; stifle; subdue
Example: "He tried to suppress his anger and maintain composure."

temperance (noun) /ˈtɛmp(ə)r(ə)ns/
Meaning: It is the act of restraining oneself from indulging in excessive behavior and maintaining balance and self-control.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to temperance?
Options: moderation; excess; indulgence; intemperance
Answer: moderation
Synonyms: abstemiousness; abstinence; asceticism; continence; control; discipline; forbearance; frugality; moderation; restraint; sacrifice; sobriety
Example: "Her temperance in spending allowed her to save for the future."

trammel (verb) /ˈtræm əl/
Meaning: When you trammel a person or process, you are essentially placing obstacles, hindrances, or limitations in their path, preventing them from moving freely or achieving their goals efficiently.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to trammel?
Options: hinder; liberate; free; enable
Answer: hinder
Synonyms: bind; constrain; curtail; encumber; fetter; hamper; hinder; obstruct; restrict; shackle
Example: "Let not fear trammel your journey towards success."

withdraw (verb) /wɪðˈdrɔː/
Meaning: The term is often used in a variety of contexts, from personal relationships to financial transactions to military operations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to withdraw?
Options: retreat; advance; confront; engage
Answer: retreat
Synonyms: depart; detach; extract; leave; pull; recall; recant; rescind; retire; revoke; secede
Example: "She decided to withdraw her candidacy for the position."