constrain

Synonym Chooser

How is the word constrain different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of constrain are coerce, compel, force, and oblige. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

When could coerce be used to replace constrain?

Although the words coerce and constrain have much in common, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.

coerced into signing over the rights

When would compel be a good substitute for constrain?

The meanings of compel and constrain largely overlap; however, compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.

compelled to admit my mistake

Where would force be a reasonable alternative to constrain?

While the synonyms force and constrain are close in meaning, 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

When is oblige a more appropriate choice than constrain?

In some situations, the words oblige and constrain are roughly equivalent. However, oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty.

felt obliged to go

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of constrain Those laws constrain unsafe or incendiary online content, and algorithms that could skew election campaigns. Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Jan. 2025 At that hearing, Lively’s attorneys are expected to ask for an order constraining Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s lawyer, from waging a PR war over the case. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025 Two key factors increasingly constrain AI's growth: the rising electricity demand for data centers and evolving regulatory challenges. Garth Friesen, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 Pressing domestic spending priorities — as European nations face high food and energy costs — have constrained the ambitions of regional governments to increase the funding for defense and security, however. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for constrain 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrain
Verb
  • The production by British post-punk veteran Nick Launay helps this minimal song compel your attention as the band keeps playing.
    Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 4 Feb. 2025
  • The tariffs were also meant to compel the countries to take further action to stop undocumented immigrants from entering the U.S. and to narrow their trade surplus.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Trump leveraged the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which grants the president broad authority to regulate a multitude of economic transactions including trade with other countries following the declaration of a national emergency.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 2 Feb. 2025
  • These rules would have allowed the FCC to regulate how internet service providers are able to allocate data speeds, requiring them to treat all internet traffic equally, regardless of purpose.
    Donald Kimball, National Review, 2 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Supreme Court's Bantam Books v. Sullivan precedent makes clear that government officials can't use their position to coerce private entities into censorship.
    Brenda Looper, arkansasonline.com, 5 Feb. 2025
  • The new Trump administration, however, seems much keener on wielding U.S. military power to coerce the Iranians into abandoning their nuclear ambitions.
    Rosemary Kelanic, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Trump upon taking office pardoned people convicted in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection, many of whom had pleaded guilty or been convicted or defacing or damaging the Capitol, which itself is a National Historic Landmark and contains multiple statues and other displays.
    Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The recalled product is a 300 gram pack of chocolate chip cookies, which contain undeclared almonds.
    Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Ferrell’s absurdity touched a third rail, not only forcing Americans to laugh at how far our declarations of patriotism had gone, but gently poking to see if there were indeed limits to what was deemed acceptable while draped in the flag.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The administration's decision to cap NIH reimbursement rates could force scientists to shutter their lifesaving research on cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, addiction, infectious diseases, and more.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The group and its allies currently control 53 seats in Lebanon’s 128-member parliament, enough to sway important decisions.
    Hanin Ghaddar, Foreign Affairs, 4 Feb. 2025
  • The Golden Knights won the opening faceoff and controlled the entire power play, which also included Shea Theodore hitting a post.
    Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • While the attorneys general have urged Optimum to issue automatic refunds, the company is not legally obligated to do so.
    Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
  • School districts would still be obligated to follow the same laws they’re required to follow now.
    Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • From United’s perspective, the January plan was to lose players deemed at odds with the culture, add a left wing-back, and stay financially restrained ahead of the summer, when a long-term centre-forward can be recruited.
    James McNicholas, The Athletic, 4 Feb. 2025
  • He was dehydrated and exhausted when he was fished out of the ocean after landing, having spent several hours restrained in his couch.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near constrain

Cite this Entry

“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrain. Accessed 15 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on constrain

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