1
as in restraint
the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others
in civilized society people do not just say or do whatever they feel like—they exercise some constraint
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice
put legal constraints on the board's activities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pressure
the use of power to impose one's will on another
parental constraint can take several different forms, including a denial of the approval that children usually seek from their parents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 constraint
But the cases filed so far are narrower than this rhetoric suggests, highlighting the legal and practical constraints on using this tool more broadly.
—
Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 2 June 2026
The movie adapts Woolf’s novel of the same name, as female astronomer Katharine Hilbery (Bennett) attempts to free herself from the patriarchal constraints of the early 20th century.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
That belief made the cult feel not like a constraint but a secret advantage.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 1 June 2026
The real constraint was the operational structure surrounding the process itself.
—Manish Goyal, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 2 June 2026
The movie adapts Woolf’s novel of the same name, as female astronomer Katharine Hilbery (Bennett) attempts to free herself from the patriarchal constraints of the early 20th century.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 1 June 2026
That belief made the cult feel not like a constraint but a secret advantage.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 1 June 2026
The real constraint was the operational structure surrounding the process itself.
—Manish Goyal, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constraint
Noun
-
Both dishes were perfectly prepared al dente and sauced with restraint, unlike many Italian-American eateries.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
As the broader fashion landscape moves away from restraint and toward self-expression, wedding guest dressing is evolving alongside it.—
Lauren Fisher,
Footwear News,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Due to safety concerns, the age restriction for overwater villa stays is 13 and up, though parents or guardians can sign a waiver upon booking.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
-
The next collective bargaining agreement will include either a salary cap, closing the sport’s Free Spending Saloon, or other payroll restrictions that would have a similarly sobering effect.—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
But the way Vitinha performs in these fast, furious games — high pressure, high energy — is captivating.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
Under pressure, the government expanded access to the SIM cards to some professions during the shutdown.—
Amir-Hussein Radjy,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Historically, the difference has come down to political discipline, institutional credibility, and the absence of an external shock.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
2 June 2026
-
Women’s sports were not created because women lacked talent, discipline or courage.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
The city’s Lake Austin overlay adds another layer of limitation, regulating how owners can build near the water, including the size, placement and expansion of homes, docks, bulkheads and other shoreline improvements within 1,000 feet of the lake.—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
The authors were careful to note the limitations of the current evidence.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
For me, one of these compulsions ended up being using the tracking app.—
Sara Rowe Mount,
Parents,
22 May 2026
-
In a clinical setting, mental health experts call such actions compulsions – behaviors that feel impossible to resist – are fueled by obsessive thoughts and eventually begin to interfere with a person’s ability to lead a normal, healthy life.—
Jordyn Tovey,
The Conversation,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
This repression sparked years of protests and widened the divide between his government and the public, ultimately leading to his resignation.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
-
According to recent polling by the firm Meganálisis, Rodríguez continues to face deeply negative approval ratings, with many Venezuelans still associating the interim government with corruption, repression and economic collapse linked to the final years of Chavismo.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Amy Lawrence pointed out that, while Arsenal possess that type of player, there is a level of inhibition.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
-
Alcohol relieves social inhibition.—
Jonathan Avery,
STAT,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constraint. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
