1
as in to compel
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
constrained by conscience to tell only the truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to regulate
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
constrained his anger at the needless interruption
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of constrain
Those projects, which boast funding from the likes of Sam Altman, Marc Andreessen, and Peter Thiel, promise total freedom for people who regard themselves as overly constrained by our current democracy.
—
Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
Cities are still constrained by a legal doctrine from the 1870s known as Dillon’s Rule, named for a judge in Iowa, that said states control cities.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
That’s why the principles of free speech—taken as a way to get power to constrain itself—are both fragile and invaluable.
—Lula Konner, The New York Review of Books, 4 Oct. 2025
The goal is to not just measure w and its evolution, but to constrain those key parameters down to (or even below) the 1% level.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constrain
Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
Cities are still constrained by a legal doctrine from the 1870s known as Dillon’s Rule, named for a judge in Iowa, that said states control cities.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
That’s why the principles of free speech—taken as a way to get power to constrain itself—are both fragile and invaluable.
—Lula Konner, The New York Review of Books, 4 Oct. 2025
The goal is to not just measure w and its evolution, but to constrain those key parameters down to (or even below) the 1% level.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrain
Verb
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Rivera, who left Mexico at 18, is one of a growing number of people compelled to self-deport out of fear of arrest and detention.—
Laura Romero,
ABC News,
19 Oct. 2025
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Her lawyers say that the gravity of the allegations against her have compelled her to seek asylum.—
Aida Alami,
New Yorker,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Advertisement Minimal protections for football’s youngest players Experts argue that youth football is the least regulated of all.—
Alana Semuels,
Time,
20 Oct. 2025
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The chimney, a symbol of the site’s industrial heritage, now functions as an intake for external air captured at 60 meters, which is then circulated through the bioclimatic greenhouse on the south facade, which Ruffini highlighted, and that helps to regulate internal temperatures.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In a free society, the government provides broad media access and doesn’t try to coerce reporters into providing only favorable coverage.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Our federal government is coercing institutions to follow its dictates on student admissions, curriculum and programs.—
George R. Boggs,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can alter the pH balance of urine.—
MD Published,
Verywell Health,
20 Oct. 2025
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The popcorn may contain undeclared peanuts, posing a serious risk of allergic reactions.—
Jenna Anderson,
Health,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Tunnels story is that Chinese immigrants built a network of tunnels under the city because they were forced to live underground; the tunnels were then used by gangsters and bootleggers, including Al Capone.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
20 Oct. 2025
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Delta said the disruption forced it to cancel more than 5,000 flights and cost it more than $500 million in revenue and compensation for passengers, among other expenses.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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By controlling the pressure inside the robot’s body and the temperature of the actuators, the researchers were able to steer it through intricate paths.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Oct. 2025
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In return, Moscow controlled strategic ports and bases on the Mediterranean, and gained access to lucrative phosphate mining and fossil fuel deals.—
Danny Makki,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Marcus Performing Arts Center's parking structure needs major repairs to stay open — and center executives say the City of Milwaukee is legally obligated to help pay for that work.—
JR Radcliffe,
jsonline.com,
10 Oct. 2025
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Taxpayers were obligated to pay taxes due on April 15, 2025, to avoid penalties and interest.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Amy Morrell, 53, a direct care staff member at the school, and other staff were attempting to restrain the teen, who officials say had been trying to leave a dorm building without permission, when the student allegedly kicked her in the chest, according to the district attorney's office.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
17 Oct. 2025
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The measure has since been watered down and now requires children between the ages of 8 to 16, starting in 2027, to pass a five-step test to be considered properly restrained by a seat belt.—
CalMatters,
Oc Register,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrain. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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