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
The funding commitment will last two fiscal cycles unless the city’s budgetary constraints are relieved, Hallman added.
—
Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Brands and manufacturers must navigate shifting consumer demand, volatile geopolitical conditions, and increasing trade barriers including tariffs and complex international sourcing constraints.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Water involves cost and supply constraints.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Reporters follow a similar pattern in terms of engaging as many people as their article’s space constraints allow.
—Jennifer Farmer, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Brands and manufacturers must navigate shifting consumer demand, volatile geopolitical conditions, and increasing trade barriers including tariffs and complex international sourcing constraints.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Water involves cost and supply constraints.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Reporters follow a similar pattern in terms of engaging as many people as their article’s space constraints allow.
—Jennifer Farmer, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constraint
Noun
-
Cox also called for restraint in reaction to Kirk’s assassination, noting that residents of Utah did not riot or loot or engage in violence, and instead held vigils and said prayers.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Despite efforts by the Biden administration to constrain the spyware market through its executive order, trade and visa restrictions, and sanctions, the industry has continued to operate largely without restraint.—
Vas Panagiotopoulos,
ArsTechnica,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Both Poland and Latvia announced new restrictions on Thursday.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Once magnets for buyers seeking sunshine – and often looser Covid restrictions – demand has started to cool off in these states.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
By the time the impeachment trial commenced, the top-down pressure from prominent, national Republicans could be seen and felt.—
Kimberly Ross,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
His game plan was to move forward, pressure Volkanovski and land with power.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Because the threat of discipline exists, that could impact the trade market for Hill.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Suddenly, Rogers was below average at all three core disciplines, and was sent to the Orioles at the trading deadline for prospects Connor Norby and Kyle Stowers.—
Tony Blengino,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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That limitation has capped how much carbon plants can lock away.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
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Gulf states like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE could utilize their vast sovereign wealth funds to impose trade limitations on Israel.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Castro’s talent lies in meticulously creating a realistic—and entertaining—portrait of one man’s compulsions, bringing individual texture to a curious social phenomenon.—
Jeremy Gordon,
The Atlantic,
12 Sep. 2025
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And that compulsion — a genuine, profound desire to share her findings with the world — makes for a classic, stick-to-your ribs documentary experience about a fascinating person.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This will raise concerns about prisoners in Russia facing further torture and repressions without scrutiny.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
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Advertisement Centuries of spiritual repression like this is one reason why so little is known about Black mermaids like Mami Wata.—
Time,
Time,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This also supports the idea that swearing can momentarily activate mental states that reduce inhibition and allow the body and mind to perform at a higher level.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Lockwood’s lack of inhibition can lead to trouble.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constraint. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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