1
as in compels
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 regulates
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 constrains
This includes other priority areas along the Florida Wildlife Corridor where development constrains animal movement.
—
Eve Bohnett, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
Limited access constrains health care, education, digital connectivity and job creation.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
This propulsion system limits responsiveness and constrains the precision with which a drone can control its position and attitude simultaneously.
—Etiido Uko
march 30, New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2026
Inflation constrains monetary easing.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
Fear of them constrains how US warships can operate in the Gulf, potentially limiting the range and effect of US Navy air and missile strikes into Iran, Schuster said.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026
Diesel prices are rising as the war in the Middle East constrains the world's oil supply and drives up prices of Brent crude, the international benchmark, above $100 a barrel.
—CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
This vigilance becomes automatic, a psychological mask that protects but also constrains.
—Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
No equivalent mechanism constrains the Federal Reserve.
—Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Eve Bohnett, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
Limited access constrains health care, education, digital connectivity and job creation.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
This propulsion system limits responsiveness and constrains the precision with which a drone can control its position and attitude simultaneously.
—Etiido Uko
march 30, New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2026
Inflation constrains monetary easing.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
Fear of them constrains how US warships can operate in the Gulf, potentially limiting the range and effect of US Navy air and missile strikes into Iran, Schuster said.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026
Diesel prices are rising as the war in the Middle East constrains the world's oil supply and drives up prices of Brent crude, the international benchmark, above $100 a barrel.
—CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
This vigilance becomes automatic, a psychological mask that protects but also constrains.
—Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
No equivalent mechanism constrains the Federal Reserve.
—Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrains
Verb
-
Shameful pride compels me to say there are only about 300 players in the Hall of Fame.—
Ron Mix,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
-
But the implicit argument, that Colorado law effectively compels Jeffco to violate Title IX, is a major, predictable indictment of our legislature.—
Lisa Frizell,
Denver Post,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Combined with lactic acid, this treatment buffs out wrinkles, increases collagen, and regulates sebum.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Prosecutors under Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig worked closely with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the division of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection that regulates fireworks.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But what begins as a local emergency soon spirals into a deeper, more terrifying mystery, one that forces the town’s residents to confront the unknown.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
10 Apr. 2026
-
This constraint forces strict prioritization.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This assortment includes the cult-classic 101 Ointment, which contains the brand's only ultra-medical grade lanolin.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
The rich-girl scent from a French fragrance house contains notes of lychee, peach, orange blossom and musk.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
However, the rotation of this filament clearly dominates how the galaxies within it spin, perhaps by funneling hydrogen gas along the dark-matter filament and onto the galaxies in a way that coerces their spin while providing further fuel for star formation.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
4 Dec. 2025
-
Haunted by the suspicious death of his ailing mother, Ali, a university professor, coerces his enigmatic gardener to execute a cold-blooded act of vengeance.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
14 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
There, he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a malignant tumor that is located on the part of the brain that controls coordination and movement, according to the Mayo Clinic.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
12 Apr. 2026
-
But Lincoln controls the whole tempo, the complete vibe of the affair with her epic vocals, effortless charm, and wonderful instincts.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Finally, the series rests on the shoulders of the three principal players, who are just a pleasure to watch; the camera obliges by moving in close.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The 2026 Ram 1500 definitely obliges in that comfort.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
At certain points in the novel, that distance calcifies and restrains his writing.—
Taran Dugal,
New Yorker,
4 Mar. 2026
-
And most of the officials agreed that the Fed’s key rate is close to a level that neither stimulates nor restrains the economy.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Constrains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrains. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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