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 In the context of the U.S. Constitution, the term refers to profits or benefits federal officials could receive from foreign governments, which are constrained to prevent influence or conflicts of interest. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025 Join 40 others in the comments View Comments Moreover, the look signaled that Diana was no longer constrained by a royal dress code — one that would have, surely, dictated a ballgown (or at least a far less revealing floor-length evening gown) for an event like the Met Gala. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 4 May 2025 In Palm Beach County, for example, beach managers are often constrained by turtle nesting season, which began March 1. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 May 2025 Despite the efforts of the design collective called dots, the Vivian Beaumont, a vast, curved, audience-on-three-sides arena, constrains the show’s ability to be either intimate or spectacular. Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for constrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrain
Verb
  • That we are compelled to take Miller’s suggestion seriously is a measure of the gravity of the threat to American democracy.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
  • However, unbeknownst to Joe or the four cooks, Edward felt compelled by Joe's message and sent another food critic to secretly review the restaurant.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • This is especially true in the current context where most countries are more focused on accelerating technology's capabilities than efforts to regulate it meaningfully and create societal guardrails.
    Yoshua Bengio, Time, 9 May 2025
  • Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating mood and sleep patterns.
    Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Carter argued his confession was coerced, and the witnesses, two immigrants without legal status, later said police and prosecutors had pressured them to falsely implicate Carter.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
  • The ensuing conflict between them takes an abrupt turn into a hotel-room two-hander as Anima fastens Abel to a bed and coerces him into confronting his feelings by playing his own music to him and dispensing shallow insights about how his songs’ upbeat melodies belie their cry-for-help content.
    Charles Bramesco, IndieWire, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • May contain slightly more flavonoids compared to green tea.
    Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
  • The same trick works for any food that contains digestible starch, including white pasta and potatoes.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Some have succeeded in slashing sales and forcing policy changes.
    Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Speechless in Idaho Dear Speechless: There is no way to force a bully to stop.
    Mark Mondier, Arkansas Online, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • This language is shorthand for Kyiv agreeing to permanent neutrality in return for a security guarantee and accepting that Russia controls swathes of Ukraine.
    Tom Balmforth, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • The two nations to emerge from the bloody partition of British India – Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan – both claim Kashmir in full, despite only controlling parts of it.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Tesla ends up below $200: You’ll be obligated to buy 100 shares at $200.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Under Reed’s contract, the district appears obligated to pay her about $32,000 or $800 a day from her February hiring date to June 30, the contract termination date.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • The officers did not show their badges until after she was restrained, the video shows.
    Hanna Park, CNN Money, 12 May 2025
  • While the Trump administration insists its actions are necessary for national security, legal challenges have underscored the power of the judiciary to scrutinize and potentially restrain executive immigration policy.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrain. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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