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 However, a modest decline in rates to below 6% could motivate some homeowners to sell, potentially thawing the frozen housing market constrained by homeowners holding onto low-rate mortgages. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2025 The only way that the uranium-lead ratio can be compatible with the hafnium in the zircons, Whitehouse argued, is if the zircons that settled in the silt had crystallized around 2.8 billion years ago, constraining the organic carbon to being no older than that. Howard Lee, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2025 Still, Iran’s distrust of Western countries and the endurance of the regime under dire circumstances mean that even this tool will have limited efficacy in terms of constraining an intractable Iranian leadership. Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2025 While inventory remains constrained, San Diego still sees consistent buyer interest. Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for constrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrain
Verb
  • Without probable cause, Windsor could not have forced or compelled a blood test, breath test or urine test, De Bree’s memo said.
    Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
  • After House Democrats left Texas more than a week ago to prevent the quorum, the Republican speaker of the Texas House, Dustin Burrows of Lubbock, issued the civil warrants to compel the Democrats to return to Austin.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The agency will no longer regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants or oil and gas operations.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The production of cortisol is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the body’s main stress response system.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The lawsuit alleges the grant conditions coerce local governments into adopting the Trump administration's policy agenda.
    Alison Dirr, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • But, as archaeologist Sean Winter writes, also like in the US, the reality involves a lot of people coerced into laboring for the benefit of the most powerful.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • According to the Florida Department of Health, raw milk can contain disease-causing bacteria, including Campylobacter, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Listeria, Salmonella, and others.
    Mark Harper, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
  • However, there's a significant difference between containing and controlling a wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Obama did much of this without Republicans forcing his hand.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • The International Organization for Migration said nearly 60% of those forced from their homes were children.
    Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Putin seemed to control the appearance of the proceedings in front of the press.
    Nik Popli, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Scientists believe the geology of Mars may hold valuable clues about past ancient life, and so the robotic vehicles, controlled remotely from Earth, have slowly navigated the rocky terrain to scoop up and collect intriguing samples.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But the Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays were contractually obligated to play a game in the great outdoors of Steinbrenner Field.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
  • The process of obligating and disbursing funds is referred to as budget execution.
    Doug Criscitello, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • The plane was met promptly by local law enforcement officers, who restrained and removed the passenger from the aircraft.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • On July 28, 2025, she was pulled over by local police for driving without a license and improperly restraining a child.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrain. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.

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