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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of constraint
In the nearly six years since the Hype House was created, both Rae and Warren had initially struggled to break free of the constraints of viral fame.
—
Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025
There were also constraints that came with 2000s camera technology.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2025
Not only has the move imposed financial constraints on the Colombian leader, but his official duties abroad have been affected, with multiple airports refusing to refuel his presidential plane due to the sanctions.
—Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Whether made-to-measure couches, modular sectionals, or bespoke armchairs, custom furniture gives you infinite flexibility to adapt to your taste and the constraints of your space, personal preferences, and room layouts.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025
There were also constraints that came with 2000s camera technology.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2025
Not only has the move imposed financial constraints on the Colombian leader, but his official duties abroad have been affected, with multiple airports refusing to refuel his presidential plane due to the sanctions.
—Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Whether made-to-measure couches, modular sectionals, or bespoke armchairs, custom furniture gives you infinite flexibility to adapt to your taste and the constraints of your space, personal preferences, and room layouts.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constraint
Noun
-
The civil suit alleged the restraint lasted eight minutes.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Per state guidelines and Ohio Administrative Code, physical restraint must be used as a last resort and only when there is an immediate risk of physical harm to the student or others.—
Grace Tucker,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Regional restrictions may apply.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Snow suggests framing choices in terms of collaboration and care, rather than loss or restriction.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
For those who do know him, the optics are less about political pressure and more about simple, unadulterated pride.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Mexico enters the 2026 World Cup with the excitement and pressure of co-hosting the tournament, eager to finally break its long-standing barrier of reaching the Round of 16.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Dames’ intention is to turn the headquarters into a creative hub and point of convergence of different disciplines, driven by collaborations.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Changing the Kremlin’s understanding of its prospects will require sustained pressure and discipline.—
Jack Watling,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The federal government has acknowledged these limitations.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
By turning a mechanical limitation into an advantage, the team has opened a new direction for soft robotics research.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Court records show Sophie was charged with two counts of burglary, criminal trespassing, simple assault and rape forcible compulsion.—
Mike Stunson,
Miami Herald,
30 Oct. 2025
-
But now, having reined in his recklessness and compulsion to constantly create and force plays, the Patriots have developed an elite prospect into a promising pro passer.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
These syndicates are part of the same criminal economy that funds military airstrikes and repression.—
Kim Aris,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
-
There are other signs that Iran’s previously relentless social repression is beginning to relax.—
Arash Azizi,
The Atlantic,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
But do not confuse its indifference for inhibition.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The key is to relax, let go of your inhibitions, and just have fun.—
Kimberly Zapata,
Parents,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constraint. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share