constraint
noun
con·straint
kən-ˈstrānt 
1
a
: the act of constraining
b
: the state of being checked, restricted, or compelled to avoid or perform some action
… the constraint and monotony of a monastic life …—
Matthew Arnold
Matthew Arnolda life of invalidism and constraint
c
: a constraining condition, agency, or force : check
put legal constraints on the board's activities
Budget constraints have forced me to revise my travel plans.
2
a
: repression of one's own feelings, behavior, or actions
emotional constraint
b
: a sense of being constrained : embarrassment
" … a constraint between us as if we were strangers … "—John P. Marquand
John P. MarquandExamples of constraint in a Sentence
Lack of funding has been a major constraint on the building's design.
They demand freedom from constraint.
They refuse to work under constraint any longer.
Recent Examples on the Web
The slip-on design and luxe leather exteriors instantly upgrade your look, while wide footbeds offer a comfortable space for your feet to sit without constraint.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025
That has declined over the years because of budget constraints.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2025
Atmospheric chemistry and interior-volcanic constraints suggest Venus may have been dry from the start, never cool enough for oceans to condense.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Through speculative thinking and the power of the arts, this collection encourages us to see ourselves outside of the constraints that persist today.
—Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2025
That has declined over the years because of budget constraints.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2025
Atmospheric chemistry and interior-volcanic constraints suggest Venus may have been dry from the start, never cool enough for oceans to condense.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Through speculative thinking and the power of the arts, this collection encourages us to see ourselves outside of the constraints that persist today.
—Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Cite this Entry
“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constraint. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
constraint
noun
con·straint
kən-ˈstrānt
1
: the act of constraining : the state of being constrained
2
: something that constrains : check
3
: a holding back of one's feelings, actions, or behavior
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share