constraint

noun

kən-ˈstrānt How to pronounce constraint (audio)
Definition of constraintnext
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

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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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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

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 Device fragmentation, network variability, OS-level constraints, battery states and memory limits are not edge cases. — Jim Douglas, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Over the weekend of July 18 to July 19, OpenAI employees began to see signs in their systems that the agent had escaped from the testing constraints. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 29 July 2026 Outside the constraints of the competition, Colquitt was a calm and methodical artisan. — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for constraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constraint
  1. restraint
  2. restriction
  3. pressure
  4. discipline
  5. limitation
  6. compulsion
  7. repression
  8. inhibition
Noun
  • What can be done to put our leader in some kind of restraint?
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The dire time restraints were real, along with the contentious Zoom meetings or phone calls that have taken place over the past five months.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of restraint
Noun
  • Nonprofit experts told the Herald/Times earlier this year that the foundation’s actions could jeopardize its tax-exempt status because of the strict restrictions on how nonprofits can engage in politics or lobbying.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • In 2022, when the bank started requiring employees to return to the office as COVID-era restrictions eased, Arbuckle requested to continue working from home instead of commuting to uptown Charlotte.
    — Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Definition of restriction
Noun
  • Zepeda comes forward and throws volume, which is exactly the input Roach's counterpunching needs to look spectacular and exactly the pressure that has troubled him when the scorecards got close.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • The Yankees should see a mediocre American League as an opportunity for a second pennant in three years; Aaron Judge’s uncertain injury status applies more pressure to do something at the deadline to chase down the Rays in the AL East.
    — Tim Britton, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of pressure
Noun
  • Hostile takeovers and leveraged buyouts in the 1980s enforced the new discipline.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • For three years, Chicago police officers accused of serious misconduct have had to sit and wait for the Illinois Supreme Court to decide the future of officer discipline.
    — Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of discipline
Noun
  • Two sources familiar with the matter told CNN over the weekend the uranium enrichment provision includes stipulations imposed by the US, but details of potential limitations are unclear.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Its attendance is capped at around 160,000 due to capacity limitations, which also limit the number of exhibitors in the 600,000 square foot exhibit hall.
    — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of limitation
Noun
  • The compulsion to seek out fun in summer heat is driven by a mix of biological boosts, social conditioning, and psychological relief from winter confinement.
    — Nicole F. Roberts, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • The real question is whether Pennsylvania and cities like Pittsburgh want skill games and other gambling opportunities to be widespread and unavoidable for people who struggle with compulsions to gamble.
    — Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 17 July 2026
Definition of compulsion
Noun
  • Diosdado Cabello, who spent years overseeing Maduro’s apparatus of repression, remains in the cabinet.
    — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • The movement, which had roots in the medieval tradition of churches providing sanctuary for those fleeing persecution, was aimed at providing a safe haven for Central Americans running from political repression and violence in their home countries.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
Definition of repression
Noun
  • Put inhibitions aside to experience the latest episode of Doc Talk, hosted by John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, Shirley), and Matt Carey, Deadline’s senior documentary editor.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 June 2026
  • Darkness removes that inhibition and allows the pineal gland to release melatonin.
    — Sally Ibrahim, The Conversation, 23 June 2026
Definition of inhibition

Browse Nearby Words

constrains
constraint
constraints
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Cite this Entry

“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constraint. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on constraint

Nglish: Translation of constraint for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about constraint

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