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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of constraint
However, the industry faces capacity constraints — even director Ron Howard couldn’t secure soundstage bookings for two back-to-back Gold Coast productions, per Weiss.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025
The prohibition means losing revenue at a time when the agency is grappling with financial constraints.
—Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2025
According to Conway Morris, evolution often follows similar paths because the physical and biological constraints of life funnel it toward optimal solutions.
—Big Think, 29 Oct. 2025
In response to revenue constraints during the Great Recession, state leaders used School Aid Fund dollars to support post-secondary education as a temporary move but have since made the funding shift common practice, according to a Michigan House Fiscal Agency analysis.
—Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025
The prohibition means losing revenue at a time when the agency is grappling with financial constraints.
—Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2025
According to Conway Morris, evolution often follows similar paths because the physical and biological constraints of life funnel it toward optimal solutions.
—Big Think, 29 Oct. 2025
In response to revenue constraints during the Great Recession, state leaders used School Aid Fund dollars to support post-secondary education as a temporary move but have since made the funding shift common practice, according to a Michigan House Fiscal Agency analysis.
—Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constraint
Noun
-
While objecting to restraints, Robinson’s attorneys agree with the sheriff that the court should limit or ban video and photographic coverage of proceedings.—
Stepheny Price , Melissa Chrise,
FOXNews.com,
24 Oct. 2025
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To complement the architecture’s rigor, the current owners turned to designer André Mellone of Studio Mellone, known for his elegant restraint and understanding of proportion.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Regional restrictions may apply.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Snow suggests framing choices in terms of collaboration and care, rather than loss or restriction.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Hold for 30-60 seconds, focusing on keeping pressure in the midfoot and the knee aligned with your toes.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
31 Oct. 2025
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There's certainly already a lot of pressure on the series adaptation.—
Staff Author,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Our City Council and mayor need a class in Economics 101 and fiscal discipline to make hard decisions at City Hall.—
Letters To The Editor,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Nov. 2025
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Chaikesh learned to conceptualize and think of AI not as a black box (as in, an obtuse system where users can’t follow its internal logic) but as a discipline grounded in clarity and fundamentals.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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China’s newest aircraft carrier may only be able to conduct air operations at about 60% the rate of a 50-year-old US Navy carrier, two former US carrier officers say, a substantial combat limitation for a vessel meant to revolutionize Beijing’s fleet.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
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The growing demand for sustainable transport, combined with the limitations of public infrastructure, has made personal electric vehicles—particularly e-scooters—a common choice for modern commuters.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But now, having reined in his recklessness and compulsion to constantly create and force plays, the Patriots have developed an elite prospect into a promising pro passer.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Where does this compulsion stem from?—
Nina Mesfin,
New Yorker,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The unrest presents a test for Hassan, who won plaudits after taking office in 2021 for easing repression of opponents and censorship that had increased under her predecessor John Magufuli.—
Reuters 10 hr ago,
CNN Money,
30 Oct. 2025
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On a recent episode of the Filmmaker Toolkit Podcast, DaCosta told IndieWire that continuing to play with the script wasn’t just about calibrating the levels of performance, repression, and passion simmering just beneath the characters’ exteriors.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The key is to relax, let go of your inhibitions, and just have fun.—
Kimberly Zapata,
Parents,
17 Oct. 2025
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On-demand male contraception via acute inhibition of soluble adenylyl cyclase.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constraint. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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