Synonyms of constraint

constraint

noun

kən-ˈstrānt 

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

• restraint
• discipline
• repression
• inhibition
• suppression
• composure
• discretion
• self-control
• reserve
• refrainment
• self-restraint
• continence
• control
• self-command
• possession
• mastery
• willpower
• distance
• self-discipline
• will
• silence
• command
• reticence
• modesty
• self-censorship
• bashfulness
• self-containment
• aloofness
• shyness
• self-denial
• self-mastery
• self-government
• taciturnity
• self-poise
• self-possession
• detachedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incontinence
• disinhibition
• unconstraint
• gratification
• indulgence
• frankness
• candor
• overindulgence
• bluntness
• uninhibitedness
• intemperance
• self-abandonment
• unrestrainedness
• self-indulgence
• immoderacy

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

• restriction
• limitation
• restraint
• condition
• curb
• stricture
• exception
• circumscription
• prohibition
• check
• stipulation
• fetter
• proviso
• qualification
• reservation
• strings
• ban
• proscription

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• freedom
• latitude

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pressure
• compulsion
• coercion
• intimidation
• violence
• duress
• threat
• force
• stress
• fear
• arm-twisting
• strength
• menace
• terror
• sword
• terrorism
• squeeze
• muscle
• bullying
• potency
• strain
• might
• browbeating
• bulldozing
• willfulness
• squeeze play
• self-will
• puissance
• hardheadedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agreement
• approval
• consent
• permission
• reason
• persuasion
• suasion
• convincing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of constraint

Their knowledge of costs, markets and practical constraints make environmental research more useful. — Steven Vollmer, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026

But elections are another, arguably just as powerful, constitutional constraint on any President, this one included. — Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2026

Financial constraints also required scaling back Magonigle’s original proposal. — Elijah Winkler, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026

Apple is also dealing with supply constraints for the Duo, which went on sale in October, though current earliest shipping dates are for January. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026