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
Sorensen laid out what might be coming in terms of future budgetary constraints.
—
Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
While the client saw this as a reason to move the project to another site, KWK Promes saw the problem from the unique view of architects – where constraints aren’t obstacles but essential drivers of innovation.
—New Atlas, 13 Apr. 2026
However, the constraints remain significant.
—Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Modern transistor architectures depend on the complementary pairing of n-type and p-type materials, making the shortage of high-performance p-type options a major constraint for next-generation chip design.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
While the client saw this as a reason to move the project to another site, KWK Promes saw the problem from the unique view of architects – where constraints aren’t obstacles but essential drivers of innovation.
—New Atlas, 13 Apr. 2026
However, the constraints remain significant.
—Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Modern transistor architectures depend on the complementary pairing of n-type and p-type materials, making the shortage of high-performance p-type options a major constraint for next-generation chip design.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constraint
Noun
-
The department is currently investigating more than two dozen facilities and says, while most providers recognize the need for regulation, some don't think the laws around restraint and seclusion should apply to them.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The volunteer, named Jacki and played with warm restraint by Tessa Thompson, has been slowly developing a friendship with Yarris, a mercurial but undeniably charismatic character played by Adrien Brody, your go-to actor for any slight man with a loping, unsteady energy.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch denounced a sustained crackdown on dissent under Talon, citing arbitrary detentions, tighter restrictions on public demonstrations and mounting pressure on independent media outlets.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
The United States eased some restrictions on sales of Russian crude imposed over its war against Ukraine, allowing countries to purchase oil that was already at sea until April 11.—
Brian Dakss,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Though Kazakhs speaking out against China’s policies in Xinjiang have long faced pressure, advocacy groups say this is the first time such a large group of Xinjiang activists has been imprisoned in the country.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The ulcers are caused by prolonged pressure, often while patients are unable to move in a hospital bed.—
Monique John,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The fellows dealt with disciplines ranging from social work, nursing and public health, geography, architecture, performance studies, and art.—
Maximilíano Durón,
ARTnews.com,
14 Apr. 2026
-
The Mule discipline, which has been drawing particular attention, involves robotic systems transporting equipment and supplies.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Though many have since been released, the region remains under tight control, with strict limitations on religious and cultural practices.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
What started as a temporary outdoor steakhouse in an open lot in Little River during the pandemic, was reborn as a magnificent 220-seat indoor-outdoor restaurant that is no longer subject to the whims of weather and the limitations of an outdoor kitchen.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Family photo For Strausman, like so many artists of all skill levels, creating became a compulsion of the spirit.—
Steve Hartman,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The latest evidence of his compulsion is Twilight Override, a 30-song triple-album released last fall under his own name.—
Steve Appleford,
SPIN,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The political controversy Thursday coincided with a day of repression in Caracas.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
10 Apr. 2026
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The choice Iran faces If Iran’s leadership uses this moment only to consolidate power, intensify repression, and sell military endurance as victory, the ceasefire will merely delay the next internal and external crisis.—
Pegah Banihashemi,
Time,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Whereas Phoebe lacks inhibitions, Valerie is plagued by them, and the contrasting sitcom formats of Friends (multi-cam) and The Comeback (mockumentary) call for totally different performance styles.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
6 Apr. 2026
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Each spring, otherwise reasonable home cooks lose all inhibitions at the first sight of ramps at the farmers market.—
Kelly Vaughan,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constraint. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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