restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən How to pronounce restriction (audio)
Synonyms of restrictionnext
1
: something that restricts: such as
a
: a regulation that restricts or restrains
restrictions for hunters
b
: a limitation on the use or enjoyment of property or a facility
2
: an act of restricting : the condition of being restricted

Examples of restriction in a Sentence

Building in that area came with some restrictions. They placed restrictions on smoking indoors. They will lift export restrictions. illegal restriction of free speech
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In recent weeks, a growing number of business leaders in Russia have voiced concern about the sweeping restrictions and urged authorities to take a more moderate approach. ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026 On Tuesday, the Assembly Judiciary Committee advanced a different Gabriel bill, that would put restrictions on federal immigration agents using state property to stage operations. Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026 In his fourth game back, the German forward continued to play mostly 3-4-minute stints under a minutes restriction. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026 The state's defense argued that the law outlines the restrictions explicitly and that the state, in its mission of advancing children's education, has legitimate reason to ensure public school materials are appropriate. CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restriction

Word History

Etymology

Middle English restriccioun, from Anglo-French restriction, from Late Latin restriction-, restrictio, from Latin restringere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of restriction was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restriction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restriction. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

restriction

noun
re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən How to pronounce restriction (audio)
1
: something (as a law or rule) that restricts
2
: an act of restricting : the condition of being restricted

Medical Definition

restriction

noun
re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən How to pronounce restriction (audio)
often attributive
: the breaking of double-stranded DNA into fragments by restriction enzymes
restriction sites

Legal Definition

restriction

noun
re·​stric·​tion
1
: something that restricts: as
a
: a regulation that restricts or restrains
b
: a limitation on the use or enjoyment of property or a facility
2
a
: an act of restricting
b
: the state of being restricted

More from Merriam-Webster on restriction

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster