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Dictionary.com
Definitions

rein in

VERB
check
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arrest control curb halt prevent reduce stop
STRONG
baffle bar bit bottleneck bridle checkmate choke circumvent constrain counteract delay discourage foil frustrate harness hold impede inhibit interrupt limit moderate neutralize obstruct obviate pause preclude rebuff repress repulse retard snub squelch stay suppress tame terminate thwart withhold
WEAK
cut short hold back hold down hold in keep back nip in the bud play for time slacken pace slow down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid allow assist continue encourage help let go
STRONG
abet advance approve facilitate forward free permit release
WEAK
expedite indulge liberate
VERB
control
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adjust check contain limit regulate
STRONG
awe bridle collect compose constrain cool corner cow monopolize quell repress restrain smother subdue
WEAK
simmer down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disorganize
STRONG
agitate allow arouse disperse distribute free let go release scatter share start
WEAK
abandon chance forsake give up jump in relinquish renounce resign risk rush
VERB
curb
Synonyms
STRONGEST
constrain contain control hamper hinder impede inhibit restrain suppress tame
STRONG
abstain bit bridle check deny fetter hobble hog-tie hold down ice leash manacle moderate muzzle refrain retard scrub shackle subdue tie withhold
WEAK
bottle up box in bring to screeching halt cool down cool off entrammel hold back hold in keep lid on keep tight rein on send up tie up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance aid allow assist encourage facilitate forward free help let go permit promote release
STRONG
go ahead incite indulge liberate loose loosen
WEAK
foster
VERB
slow
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abate curb curtail decelerate decrease diminish hinder impede lag lessen moderate reduce relax retard slacken stall temper
STRONG
brake check choke detain loiter mire postpone procrastinate qualify quiet reef regulate stunt
WEAK
anchor it back-water bog down cut back cut down ease off ease up embog hit the brakes hold back hold up keep waiting let down flaps lose speed lose steam reduce speed set back wind down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance agitate aid allow assist develop encourage enlarge excite expand extend facilitate forward further grow help increase lengthen prolong push raise strengthen
STRONG
accelerate do expedite liberate release
VERB
stop
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arrest avoid bar block break check close disrupt intercept interrupt stall stay stem suspend
STRONG
bottle choke clog congest fill fix forestall frustrate gag hinder hush impede muzzle obstruct occlude plug repress restrain seal silence staunch still stopper
WEAK
choke off cut off put a stop to shut down shut off shut out throw over turn off ward off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abet advance aid allow cause continue encourage go help let go open permit release
STRONG
assist clear disturb facilitate forward free liberate promote support unblock
WEAK
begin start

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There’s reason for JPMorgan to rein in its buybacks while the stock trades at lofty multiples—for the benefit of the bank itself and its shareholders.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

It also, though, showed a simple possible way to rein in the president’s ability to overreach in his war-making power.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

The California Supreme Court, which leans liberal, can rein in the executive branch if it determines it has violated the state Constitution or other statutes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

At the same time, live events seem to have stayed steady despite a prolonged period of reduced consumer sentiment, during which media companies typically get hammered as customers seek to rein in spending.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Finally Baelish drew rein in front of a ramshackle building, three stories, timbered, its windows bright with lamplight in the gathering dusk.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin