1
as in to compel
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
constrained by conscience to tell only the truth
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in restrained
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of constrain
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Other economic crises in the recent past were caused by outside events, so CEOs weren’t constrained from speaking honestly to the dangers and their companies’ response.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 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
The administration is ramping up pressure on immigration authorities to accelerate deportations—efforts that are currently constrained by limited resources and detention space.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Other economic crises in the recent past were caused by outside events, so CEOs weren’t constrained from speaking honestly to the dangers and their companies’ response.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 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
-
Its packaging is understated and classic—an elegant glass bottle with restrained branding, reflecting the confidence of a product that doesn't need to shout to be noticed.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
The restrained horror of Shoojit Sircar’s Sardar Udham, which had an extended, shiver-inducing sequence set in Jallianwala Bagh, has no place here.—
Anupama Chopra,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Shadow: Disconnected from desires, unresolved trauma, addiction, repressed emotions, lack of energy.—
Lisa Stardust,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
-
And a vision of Maman lost, deformed, reformed, disappeared, reappeared in the clouds—in repressed, compressed, thinning, regathering clouds of torment.—
Hélène Bessette,
Harpers Magazine,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
That’s why clear payment terms, efficient collection systems, and disciplined expense management are non-negotiable.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
If the deal gets blocked and there is strong shareholder representation on the board, shareholders will have confidence that the large net cash position will be used wisely, whether through a diligent and disciplined value-creating acquisition or to buy back shares at these depressed values.—
Kenneth Squire,
CNBC,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The day he was inaugurated, Trump disabled the CBP One mobile app the Biden administration had utilized since 2023 to create a more orderly process of applying for asylum from the U.S.-Mexico border.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Humans walking in crowds tend to form orderly lanes.—
Gayoung Lee,
Scientific American,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrain. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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