1
as in restrictions
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice
put legal constraints on the board's activities
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pressures
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of constraints
Strategic stockpiles are held separately by each IEA member country, meaning technical and logistical constraints could slow the flow of barrels.
—
Sam Meredith,lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026
Although global turmoil, including Russia's war in Ukraine, has revived debate over Japan acquiring nuclear weapons, domestic support remains low because of legal and political constraints.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Mar. 2026
The district has said the decision to close schools is not motivated by financial need or budget constraints but rather by improving students’ academic experience.
—Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Still the company can’t export its normal quantities because of capacity constraints.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026
Saudi Arabia and the UAE could approach storage constraints within three to four weeks if tanker flows remain restricted, excluding Saudi Arabia’s underground storage capacity, which is not captured in current modelling.
—Amena Bakr, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
From her perspective, the individuals responsible for shaping the next generation are often working within financial constraints that extend well beyond their salaries.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
Prices can vary depending on the departure point, the type of aircraft and the route constraints, said Ameerh Naran, CEO of Vimana Private Jets.
—Stefanie Dazio, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
What should be the constraints?
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
Sam Meredith,lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026
Although global turmoil, including Russia's war in Ukraine, has revived debate over Japan acquiring nuclear weapons, domestic support remains low because of legal and political constraints.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Mar. 2026
The district has said the decision to close schools is not motivated by financial need or budget constraints but rather by improving students’ academic experience.
—Molly Gibbs, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Still the company can’t export its normal quantities because of capacity constraints.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026
Saudi Arabia and the UAE could approach storage constraints within three to four weeks if tanker flows remain restricted, excluding Saudi Arabia’s underground storage capacity, which is not captured in current modelling.
—Amena Bakr, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026
From her perspective, the individuals responsible for shaping the next generation are often working within financial constraints that extend well beyond their salaries.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
Prices can vary depending on the departure point, the type of aircraft and the route constraints, said Ameerh Naran, CEO of Vimana Private Jets.
—Stefanie Dazio, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
What should be the constraints?
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constraints
Noun
-
Inspections, repairs, and temporary restrictions may affect daily activity.—
Matthew Kayser,
Miami Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The details of the deal that could cover ports, energy and tourism are not known but could include a relaxation of restrictions on Americans traveling to the Caribbean island.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Combined with inflation pressures from rising oil prices, that could reverse the recent downward trend in mortgage rates, experts say.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Adam Bazaldua, Laura Cadena, Paula Blackmon, Bill Roth, Cara Mendelsohn and Paul Ridley argued the city has not fully vetted repair costs or considered the budget impact of leasing new office space while Dallas is already facing fiscal pressures.—
Devyani Chhetri,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For now, these are acceptable limitations when the real purpose isn’t entertainment.—
Nicole Fraenkel,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
-
So many candidates has also meant space and time limitations.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Letters admitting compulsions and guilt Judge Lopez must also weigh whether letters Cox wrote to a judge in 1993 and 1995 will be admissible.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Downgrading to a simpler phone, such as an old-school flip phone, could also help curb social media compulsions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Constraints.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constraints. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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