restrictive

adjective

re·​stric·​tive ri-ˈstrik-tiv 

1

a

: of or relating to restriction

b

: serving or tending to restrict

restrictive regulations

2

: limiting the reference of a modified word or phrase

3

: prohibiting further negotiation

restrictive noun

restrictively adverb

restrictiveness noun

Did you know?

Restrictive covenants (that is, agreements) in real-estate deeds were once used to forbid the buyer from ever selling the property to anyone of another race. These are now illegal, though other kinds of restrictive covenants are very common; in some neighborhoods, they may even tell you what colors you can't paint your house. In grammar, a restrictive clause is one that limits the meaning of something that comes before it. In the sentence "That's the professor who I'm trying to avoid", "who I'm trying to avoid" is a restrictive clause, since it's what identifies the professor. But in the sentence "That's my History professor, who I'm trying to avoid", the same clause is nonrestrictive, since the professor has already been identified as "my History professor". There should always be a comma before a nonrestrictive clause, but not before a restrictive clause.

Examples of restrictive in a Sentence

In the sentence “The book that you ordered is out of print,” “that you ordered” is a restrictive clause.

Recent Examples on the Web

On the other side, Michigan restricted chases, and Hawaii also is considering legislation that would set more restrictive statewide pursuit standards. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2024

The Biden administration debated taking less drastic steps to show its displeasure with Maduro — including the possibility of a more restrictive general license to replace the existing one that would have allowed foreign trade under certain circumstances. —Samantha Schmidt, Washington Post, 17 Apr. 2024

Oliver noted that state Sen. Shawnna Bolick voted for a law passed in 2022 that was less restrictive but in effect affirmed the 1864 law, then called for a repeal of the ban after the Arizona Supreme Court decision. —The Arizona Republic, 16 Apr. 2024

The Index researchers also classified bills as either expansive laws that aim to enhance a country’s AI capabilities or restrictive laws that place limits on AI applications and usage. —IEEE Spectrum, 15 Apr. 2024

The relaxed, comfortable fit is endlessly flattering, while loose sleeves won’t ever feel restrictive during sightseeing days and beyond. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2024

Called the 1925 Club, the West Palm Beach club will have a much larger reach than the restrictive island spots, and will be open day and night for working, networking and dining. —Beth Landman, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Apr. 2024

Voting restrictions can disproportionately affect people of color In some states, restrictive voter ID requirements that disproportionately affect many eligible voters of color have also put in place systemic barriers to voter registration, Lee points out. —Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 2 Apr. 2024

The restrictive laws alone affect nearly half of all Americans in that age group. —Clara Ence Morse, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing restrictive

• restrictive clause

Kids Definition

restrictive

adjective

re·​stric·​tive ri-ˈstrik-tiv 

1

: serving or likely to restrict

2

: limiting the reference of a modified word or phrase

restrictive noun

restrictively adverb

restrictiveness noun

Legal Definition

restrictive

adjective

re·​stric·​tive ri-ˈstrik-tiv 

1

a

: of or relating to restriction

b

: serving or tending to restrict

2

: prohibiting further negotiation

restrictively adverb

restrictiveness noun