Synonyms of constraint

constraint

noun

kən-ˈstrānt 

1

as in restraint

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others

in civilized society people do not just say or do whatever they feel like—they exercise some constraint

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restraint
• discipline
• repression
• inhibition
• suppression
• composure
• discretion
• self-control
• reserve
• refrainment
• self-restraint
• continence
• control
• self-command
• possession
• mastery
• willpower
• distance
• self-discipline
• will
• silence
• command
• reticence
• modesty
• self-censorship
• bashfulness
• self-containment
• aloofness
• shyness
• self-denial
• self-mastery
• self-government
• taciturnity
• self-poise
• self-possession
• detachedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incontinence
• disinhibition
• unconstraint
• gratification
• indulgence
• frankness
• candor
• overindulgence
• bluntness
• uninhibitedness
• intemperance
• self-abandonment
• unrestrainedness
• self-indulgence
• immoderacy

2

as in restriction

something that limits one's freedom of action or choice

put legal constraints on the board's activities

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restriction
• limitation
• restraint
• condition
• curb
• stricture
• exception
• circumscription
• prohibition
• check
• stipulation
• fetter
• proviso
• qualification
• reservation
• strings
• ban
• proscription

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• freedom
• latitude

3

as in pressure

the use of power to impose one's will on another

parental constraint can take several different forms, including a denial of the approval that children usually seek from their parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pressure
• compulsion
• coercion
• intimidation
• violence
• duress
• threat
• force
• stress
• fear
• arm-twisting
• strength
• menace
• terror
• sword
• terrorism
• squeeze
• muscle
• bullying
• potency
• strain
• might
• browbeating
• bulldozing
• willfulness
• squeeze play
• self-will
• puissance
• hardheadedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agreement
• approval
• consent
• permission
• reason
• persuasion
• suasion
• convincing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of constraint

The survey’s proponents can also point to competing demands—such as housing, medical costs, and support for family members—as real constraints on saving, even for higher earners. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

On its last earnings call, Apple noted that supply constraints will impact iPhones. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026

The logistics giant quantified the wider benefit in its guidance filing, noting that the capacity constraints in the air freight market contributed roughly 100 million euros ($112 million) to the Express result for the quarter. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

The government has pointed to France’s strained finances as a constraint on addressing these issues. — Caitlin Dewey, Vox, 19 Oct. 2026