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
That strategy also reflects the relative smaller pockets of Chinese AI firms and constraints in accessing cutting-edge chips under Washington’s export controls.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
The official added that Iran is facing immediate logistical constraints, warning that storage capacity at Kharg Island — the country’s main oil export terminal — could be filled within days if exports remain blocked, potentially forcing production shut-ins.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
As Place notes, their prices are closely tied to industrial demand and supply constraints, which can lead to sharper and less predictable swings than traditional precious metals like gold.
—Sharon Wu, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
While debate formats often limit candidates to brief answers shaped by time constraints, the guide will give users the ability to select specific candidates and view their extended responses on each topic, which were drawn from in-depth interviews conducted over a six-month period.
—Richard Ramos, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for constraint
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John Liu, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026
The official added that Iran is facing immediate logistical constraints, warning that storage capacity at Kharg Island — the country’s main oil export terminal — could be filled within days if exports remain blocked, potentially forcing production shut-ins.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
As Place notes, their prices are closely tied to industrial demand and supply constraints, which can lead to sharper and less predictable swings than traditional precious metals like gold.
—Sharon Wu, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
While debate formats often limit candidates to brief answers shaped by time constraints, the guide will give users the ability to select specific candidates and view their extended responses on each topic, which were drawn from in-depth interviews conducted over a six-month period.
—Richard Ramos, CBS News, 23 Apr. 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 27 Apr. 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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