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
as in restrained
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in compelled
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
constrained by conscience to tell only the truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in controlled
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
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
Justin Worland, TIME, 26 Dec. 2024
These systems not only help to reduce the cost for the client and law firm, but also make legal services more accessible to those who might be resource constrained.
—Ron Schmelzer, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for constrain
Verb
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
Verb
As the problem grows worse, leaders constrained by political considerations keep eking out piecemeal solutions.
—Justin Worland, TIME, 26 Dec. 2024
These systems not only help to reduce the cost for the client and law firm, but also make legal services more accessible to those who might be resource constrained.
—Ron Schmelzer, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for constrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrain
Adjective
-
An all-out self-deprecating ad could be warranted if the goal is to simply raise brand awareness, while a more restrained approach might be needed to avoid distraction if an ad includes technical details about a new product.—
Anton Naianzin,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
-
Plus, How to Use It In Your Home For pattern, using a rug with an oversized, neutral pattern keeps within a restrained palette but still creates visual interest.—
Eleni N. Gage,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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As a reminder, here's how Scorsese and the three-time Oscar winner worked together to make romantic sublimation and repressed emotions weirdly sensual.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
21 May 2025
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Tensions soared in 2016 when the government attempted to impose French in English-speaking regions’ schools and courts, igniting protests that security forces violently repressed.—
Nalova Akua,
Los Angeles Times,
5 May 2025
Adjective
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Stay disciplined in your role as manager, and don’t wait for quarterly reviews to make changes—assess budget performance regularly and adjust.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
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Women often outperform men in investing by a modest but meaningful margin — about 0.40% per year — due to a more disciplined and risk-aware approach.—
Bruce Helmer,
Twin Cities,
10 May 2025
Adjective
-
The Catholic Church believes a country has the right to protect its borders and to have orderly immigration.—
Scott Santarosa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2025
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Earlier this spring, officials in High Springs, Fla., an orderly suburban oasis of about 8,000 in agricultural North Central Florida, signed a 287(g) memorandum.—
Patrik Jonsson,
Christian Science Monitor,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrain. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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