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
Such has been the patient sufferance of the women under this government, and such is now the necessity which constrains them to demand the equal station to which they are entitled.
—
Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025
For what constrains both young men is not their actual jobs or income, but their status.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2025
Societal expectations often constrain men from showing intimacy to other men, especially when boys enter our teenage years.
—Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
Mental health isn't about identity and constraining you.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constrain
Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025
For what constrains both young men is not their actual jobs or income, but their status.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2025
Societal expectations often constrain men from showing intimacy to other men, especially when boys enter our teenage years.
—Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
Mental health isn't about identity and constraining you.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrain
Verb
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The rally aimed to compel Starbucks to finalize the collective bargaining contract for improved staffing, shift hours, take-home pay and on-the-job protections for its baristas.—
Stuart Dyos,
Nashville Tennessean,
5 Oct. 2025
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And yet, today, a few pieces of evidence are compelling us to reconsider this scenario.—
Ethan Siegel,
Big Think,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While employer support is still low, fewer than 5% offer meaningful programs, more companies are adding improved coverage for hormone therapy, paid time off and even regulating the office thermostat.—
Laura Trujillo,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
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What To Do Instead Adding a little butter or oil to your nonstick pan while preheating can create a buffer that helps regulate the temperature and protect the coating.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The judge cited testimony from another former girlfriend, Jane, who said Combs later assaulted her and coerced her into oral sex with an escort.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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Questioning earlier medical evidence that the victims suffered brain injuries, the assessment also relied on a controversial study by the National Institutes of Health that was later shut down after an internal review confirmed some patients were coerced to participate.—
Nora Gamez Torres,
Miami Herald,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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McSweeney’s elevation appeared bizarre, but Bailey and his selection team have openly stated their belief that the Test team should contain the best six batters regardless of position.—
Sam Dalling,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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But much like Week 1 against Justin Herbert and the Chargers, the Chiefs’ inability to contain the opposing quarterback in timely spots lost them the football game.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Lawrence attempted to go over the pile on a fourth-down snap from the 1-yard line, but Bolton greeted him there, slapping the ball away and forcing a fumble inches before the ball reached the line.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
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But the shot contest forced Sarr to leave the restricted area and gave Mitchell Robinson an easy path for a putback.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But if the president controls the FCC, will speech be free?—
Erin Mansfield,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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Whitmer established the universal meals program when Democrats controlled both chambers of the Michigan Legislature.—
Clara Hendrickson,
Freep.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The threat to withhold back pay has angered federal employees, according to Axios which first reported on the memo, and prompted criticisms from both Republican and Democrat lawmakers who insist the government is legally obligated to compensate furloughed workers.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
8 Oct. 2025
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Under military law, service members are obligated to obey lawful orders, but to disobey unlawful orders.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Video shows the moment an officer in camouflage and tactical gear approaches an individual, after which another officer tackles the person, restrains them with plastic handcuffs, and leads them away.—
Hanna Park,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
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Are assassins like Kirk’s killer simply pathological outliers among agitated but otherwise self-restrained populations?—
Ron Barrett,
The Conversation,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrain. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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