as in constraints
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice
civil libertarians contend that the new laws place too many restraints on our constitutionally guaranteed rights
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Recent Examples of restraints
Hegseth came out of his own service, in Iraq and Afghanistan, with the seeming conviction that what had stood in the way of a fuller victory in those wars had been the restraints supposedly placed on how soldiers could kill.
—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Ryan agreed to bring restraints, rope and a knife to the Banfields’ home.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
The Artemis 2 astronauts use foot restraints to help stay in place while using the toilet, which uses airflow to draw solid waste away from the body and into a collection device.
—Tariq Malik, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026
But during arguments in the fall, Chiles' lawyer, James Campbell, told the justices that the way his client wishes to practice conversion therapy involves no physical restraints or coercion of any kind.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 31 Mar. 2026
Day also suggests institutional restraints on the president have weakened considerably.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Democrats demand immigration enforcement restraints, including court warrants and protections for sensitive locations, as a condition on funding the Department of Homeland Security.
—Josh Funk, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
The hospital's public safety officers also got training on the use of non-lethal restraints and pepper spray.
—Cheryl Fiandaca, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Airport slogs continue to put pressure on lawmakers and the White House, but a deal remains elusive as Senate Democrats hold out for restraints on immigration agents.
—Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 26 Mar. 2026
Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Ryan agreed to bring restraints, rope and a knife to the Banfields’ home.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
The Artemis 2 astronauts use foot restraints to help stay in place while using the toilet, which uses airflow to draw solid waste away from the body and into a collection device.
—Tariq Malik, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026
But during arguments in the fall, Chiles' lawyer, James Campbell, told the justices that the way his client wishes to practice conversion therapy involves no physical restraints or coercion of any kind.
—Nina Totenberg, NPR, 31 Mar. 2026
Day also suggests institutional restraints on the president have weakened considerably.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Democrats demand immigration enforcement restraints, including court warrants and protections for sensitive locations, as a condition on funding the Department of Homeland Security.
—Josh Funk, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
The hospital's public safety officers also got training on the use of non-lethal restraints and pepper spray.
—Cheryl Fiandaca, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Airport slogs continue to put pressure on lawmakers and the White House, but a deal remains elusive as Senate Democrats hold out for restraints on immigration agents.
—Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraints
Noun
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That could mean a delay of hours, days or longer depending on scheduling and technical constraints.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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With production pipelines in some regions backlogged due to capacity constraints, AI automation tools are enabling faster asset and scene creation.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Colorado officials argued that the law − which is similar to restrictions in about half the states – regulates professional conduct, not speech.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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Regional restrictions may apply.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In conclusion, as the time limitations to bring construction claims in Florida continue to shorten, immediate action becomes even more critical.—
Keegan A. Berry,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
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Dovrat had a skill the Canes badly needed -- three-point shooting -- but his minutes were limited nonetheless because of limitations in his game.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restraints.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraints. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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