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 Do parliamentary research tools enhance or constrain policy deliberation? Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 Trump’s efforts to constrain immigration during his first term played out in a similar fashion; by 2019, the unemployment rate had dropped to 3.5%, its lowest level since 1969, with earnings up 3.5% from 2018. Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 14 June 2025 Its markets business has been constrained by the asset cap but will have more flexibility now, with investments in technology and people, Santomassimo said. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2025 In contrast, precisely determining the effects of the strong force (which usually holds the nuclei of atoms together) is much harder and is the least theoretically constrained among all g−2 calculations. Eleni Petrakou, Scientific American, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for constrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrain
Verb
  • However, the Supreme Court ruled that lawsuits to compel states to enforce Medicaid law—a federal statute—aren’t valid.
    Essence, Essence, 27 June 2025
  • Female clients of mine have also reported feeling compelled to embrace more traditionally feminine roles.
    Jerry Colonna, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Last week, the Senate approved the stablecoin bill, establishing a framework to regulate these digital currencies that are linked to the U.S. dollar.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Clouds play an important role in regulating the climate.
    Max G. Levy, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • In some cases, governments even coerce companies into accepting artificially low prices by threatening to violate their patents and allow other manufacturers to produce copycat drugs.
    Rosa Mendoza, Boston Herald, 16 June 2025
  • Geragos has tried to portray Jane as a willing participant in encounters with male escorts and entertainers while Diddy watched, to undermine prosecution claims that she was coerced and trafficked.
    Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • The Singaporean government said servers potentially containing AI-powering Nvidia chips shipped from the United States to Singapore had ended up in Malaysia, but that their final destination was unknown.
    AFP, Fortune, 19 June 2025
  • On-screen text follows, reminding us that the virus laid waste to the UK, which was quarantined to contain the evil, with survivors there being left to fend for themselves.
    Mark Meszoros, Boston Herald, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • The murder thrusts Zhan-Zhou into the spotlight and the court of public opinion, forcing her towards a fate intertwined with that of her own country.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 June 2025
  • The shutdowns have caused significant disruptions to regional air traffic and forced airlines to reroute flights.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2025
  • Fort Worth firefighters quickly controlled a two-alarm fire at Hulen Mall on Friday night, and shoppers and employees were evacuated from the building.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • But as a student of history, a patriotic American who flies the flag at my house every day, who keeps a large portrait of George Washington in my living room, I am obligated to do something rather than passively sit by while the unacceptable becomes normalized.
    Doug McIntyre, Oc Register, 22 June 2025
  • In February, the administration said nine state agencies, boards and commissions were unable to access funding obligated by the federal government.
    Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • When restrained, Perry falls to the ground while still cursing, as seen in another video, and is then removed from the flight.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • Earlier this month, on June 17, a 32-year-old female New York resident was restrained and removed from a Southwest flight from LaGuardia to Kansas City.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrain. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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