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
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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
Trump’s deportations and constraints on Southern border crossings are well under way.
—
Paul Davidson, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025
The labour market has softened, and capacity constraints mean even tepid growth is generating inflation pressures.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
The project faces geometric constraints as its gradients have to be much less steep than highways, Lou Thompson, former rail authority peer review group chair, said.
—Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025
In the case of child-rearing, very specific economic constraints that are more prevalent in LGBTQ populations likely play a large part in observed differences in the desire to have children.
—Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Paul Davidson, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025
The labour market has softened, and capacity constraints mean even tepid growth is generating inflation pressures.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
The project faces geometric constraints as its gradients have to be much less steep than highways, Lou Thompson, former rail authority peer review group chair, said.
—Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025
In the case of child-rearing, very specific economic constraints that are more prevalent in LGBTQ populations likely play a large part in observed differences in the desire to have children.
—Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constraint
Noun
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Moderates favor easing tensions with Western and regional powers, while hard-liners insist any agreement include concrete guarantees of mutual restraint.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
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Those loud, colorful prints align with hip-hop’s aversion to restraint, to sameness even.—
Essence,
Essence,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The cheapest pass at Jackson Hole, WY with no blackout dates or restrictions is currently $2,950.—
Larry Olmsted,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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Advertisement In recent years, under both Trump’s and former President Joe Biden’s Administrations, the U.S. has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on Cambodia over its poor human rights record and corruption.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The goal is to rehearse the human side of pressure so leaders are ready when the stakes are real.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
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The median period between symptom onset and death was just three days; most of the children who died had such severe brain swelling that the pressure forced the brain downward, crushing vital areas that control breathing and heart function.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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As the entertainment industry’s publication of record, Variety seeks to highlight creatives who are making waves across a spectrum of disciplines.—
Variety Staff,
Variety,
8 Aug. 2025
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Los Angeles — While Hollywood actors may be the face of the film and television industry, teams of professionals work behind the scenes, bringing each cinematic story to life through disciplines like lighting, costumes and set design.—
Kathleen Toner,
CNN Money,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Disabilities exist on a spectrum that includes temporary and situational limitations that affect every single user at some point.—
Sowmya Hariharan,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
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Weight limitations: Glass cooktops often have specific weight limits, and using multiple cast-iron pans may exceed those limits.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Things only get worse as Joe’s jealousy and ambition get the best of him, exacerbated by the stress of the protests, and his compulsion to both perform for and consume social media.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
20 July 2025
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Symptoms vary widely in form and severity, with some people experiencing debilitating compulsions that disrupt daily life, while others have milder, more manageable symptoms.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
Noun
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While past presidents, including Barack Obama, maintained a cautious distance from Lukashenko—whose 31-year rule has been marked by repression and international isolation—Trump has opted for warmer ties.—
Hannah Parry
Amanda Castro
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
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The regime turns the former leper hospital into a place of death, where the prisoners are subjected to repression in a place of astounding beauty.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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That May Stave Off Disease Alzheimer's: Scientists Discover What Sparks Disease Arthritis Treatment Reduces Painful Flare-Ups, Slows Disease Illustration representing inhibition of protein complex 'mTORC1' by rapamycin leading to immunosuppression for a tumor.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
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The most recognizable symptoms are a loss of social inhibition, inappropriate behavior, and lack of self-care.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constraint. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.
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