Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

constrain

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of constrain

1 to cause (a person) to give in to pressure

  • constrained by conscience to tell only the truth
Synonyms of constrain

blackjack, coerce, compel, dragoon, drive, force, impel, impress, make, muscle, obligate, oblige, press, pressure, sandbag
Words Related to constrain

browbeat, bulldoze, bully, cow, hector, intimidate

blackmail, high-pressure, menace, shame, terrorize, threaten

drag

badger, harass, hound
Phrases Synonymous with constrain

twist one's arm
Near Antonyms of constrain

allow, let, permit

argue, convince, induce, move, persuade, prevail (on or upon), satisfy, talk (into), win (over)

2 to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)

  • constrained his anger at the needless interruption
Synonyms of constrain

bridle, check, contain, control, curb, govern, hold, inhibit, keep, measure, pull in, regulate, rein (in), restrain, rule, tame
Words Related to constrain

bottle (up), choke (back), hold back, mince, muffle, pocket, repress, sink, smother, squelch, stifle, strangle, suppress, swallow

arrest, interrupt, stop

block, hamper, handcuff, hinder, impede, obstruct

gag, muzzle, silence
Near Antonyms of constrain

liberate, loose, loosen, unleash

air, express, take out, vent
Antonyms of constrain

lose

Synonym Discussion of constrain

force, compel, coerce, constrain, oblige mean to make someone or something yield. force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress.
    • forced to flee for their lives
compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.
    • compelled to admit my mistake
coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.
    • coerced into signing over the rights
constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.
    • constrained by conscience
oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty.
    • felt obliged to go

Learn More about constrain

  1. See words that rhyme with constrain Dictionary: Definition of constrain Spanish Central: Translation of constrain Nglish: Translation of constrain for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of constrain for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up constrain? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

WORD OF THE DAY

recalcitrant

obstinately defiant of authority

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. gaslight It is a word, though.

  2. invasion CNN reporter questions President.

  3. relevancy Ariana Grande slams ex-fiancé.

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games