1
as in restrictions
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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of constraints
Autoliv and Tensor say their co-developed system is intended to remove those constraints without compromising safety.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
The Fed also has an emergency lending authority with almost zero practical constraints.
—Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
China’s true constraints Beijing has not refrained from action against Taiwan out of deference to international law and norms.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 6 Jan. 2026
That caution reflects long-standing economic constraints.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
Each reframing lowers the threshold for the constraints meant to govern force.
—Jon Duffy, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
Originally designed for far fewer travelers, the airport experiences regular congestion at immigration and security, with seasonal surges amplifying existing capacity constraints.
—Hana Al-Khodairi, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Jan. 2026
The license fee is supposed to free the BBC from commercial constraints faced by other outlets, which drive many to tailor their output to the political persuasion of their audiences.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
But even given their current constraints, e-mail apps might still evolve past Cora and its ilk.
—Cal Newport, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2025
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
The Fed also has an emergency lending authority with almost zero practical constraints.
—Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
China’s true constraints Beijing has not refrained from action against Taiwan out of deference to international law and norms.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 6 Jan. 2026
That caution reflects long-standing economic constraints.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
Each reframing lowers the threshold for the constraints meant to govern force.
—Jon Duffy, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
Originally designed for far fewer travelers, the airport experiences regular congestion at immigration and security, with seasonal surges amplifying existing capacity constraints.
—Hana Al-Khodairi, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Jan. 2026
The license fee is supposed to free the BBC from commercial constraints faced by other outlets, which drive many to tailor their output to the political persuasion of their audiences.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
But even given their current constraints, e-mail apps might still evolve past Cora and its ilk.
—Cal Newport, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constraints
Noun
-
Supporters of restrictions argue that institutional investors often outbid would-be homeowners competing for the same homes, particularly in fast-growing markets.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado previously expressed intent to reform these hydrocarbon laws to increase foreign investment by getting rid of ownership restrictions.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Bain’s 44 total pressures generated entering Saturday according to Pro Football Focus ranks fourth nationally and behind only Texas Tech’s David Bailey (58) among players from power conference schools.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
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Beyond the impact of tariffs, consumers are coping with cost-of-living pressures and inflation.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The federal government has acknowledged these limitations.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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Given my technical limitations and lack of experience, my version ironically sounded even cheesier and more synth driven than Chuck’s original.—
Bear McCreary,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
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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Political compulsions could lead to measures that expand the country's fiscal deficit, further raising borrowing costs.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constraints.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constraints. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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