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 constraints on Japan’s involvement in Iran include a provision in its post-World War II constitution that bans the use of force except to defend its territory.
—ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Because of the constantly changing positions of Earth and moon, along with lighting and solar power constraints, NASA only has until April 6 to get the Artemis II mission off the ground.
—William Harwood, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
While advocates for more constraints on drilling point to the low number of permits the ECMC has denied, Robbins thinks that’s the wrong way to view the situation.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026
Those efforts come amid tightening state constraints.
—Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for constraint
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ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
Because of the constantly changing positions of Earth and moon, along with lighting and solar power constraints, NASA only has until April 6 to get the Artemis II mission off the ground.
—William Harwood, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
While advocates for more constraints on drilling point to the low number of permits the ECMC has denied, Robbins thinks that’s the wrong way to view the situation.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026
Those efforts come amid tightening state constraints.
—Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Cite this Entry
“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constraint. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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
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