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
The interest highlights a broader global scramble for copper, one in which supply constraints are colliding with soaring demand from electric vehicles and power grids.
—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026
By the 1980s, Agüero was among the many filmmakers working in Chile’s growing advertising industry, struggling with the practical constraints of moviemaking under the Pinochet dictatorship while also trying to find his cinematic voice.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
As noted in a report from TWZ, the aircraft’s proportions indicate it is sized to fit within the constraints of a supercarrier deck while carrying a substantial weapons load.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026
This elegant design was partly shaped by the constraints of the challenging site, which currently holds a hotel that will be demolished.
—Adam Williams
april 21, New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2026
Facilities alone cannot solve the capacity constraints limiting healthcare training programs.
—Henry D Shannon, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026
The Obama administration canceled most of NASA’s participation in ExoMars in 2012, citing budgetary constraints such as cost overruns with the James Webb Space Telescope.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2026
While filibustering was not permitted under the particular constraints of the CRA, Smith spoke for roughly three of five allotted hours Wednesday.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 Apr. 2026
Ukraine’s troops have disrupted Russia’s spring offensive and recaptured nearly 20 square miles of territory, though dwindling air defense missiles and financial constraints threaten to slow momentum.
—Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026
By the 1980s, Agüero was among the many filmmakers working in Chile’s growing advertising industry, struggling with the practical constraints of moviemaking under the Pinochet dictatorship while also trying to find his cinematic voice.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
As noted in a report from TWZ, the aircraft’s proportions indicate it is sized to fit within the constraints of a supercarrier deck while carrying a substantial weapons load.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026
This elegant design was partly shaped by the constraints of the challenging site, which currently holds a hotel that will be demolished.
—Adam Williams
april 21, New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2026
Facilities alone cannot solve the capacity constraints limiting healthcare training programs.
—Henry D Shannon, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026
The Obama administration canceled most of NASA’s participation in ExoMars in 2012, citing budgetary constraints such as cost overruns with the James Webb Space Telescope.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2026
While filibustering was not permitted under the particular constraints of the CRA, Smith spoke for roughly three of five allotted hours Wednesday.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 Apr. 2026
Ukraine’s troops have disrupted Russia’s spring offensive and recaptured nearly 20 square miles of territory, though dwindling air defense missiles and financial constraints threaten to slow momentum.
—Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constraints
Noun
-
Reductions to international student visas and the Big Beautiful Bill’s restrictions on federal student loans also serve to cost universities money.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Several neighboring cities have also eased restrictions.—
Taylor Haught,
Kansas City Star,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
His quick steps can cause tackles to lose their balance, and his burst to turn pressures into sacks is tremendous.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
-
China appears to be stuck in a deflationary trap, with even the pressures sparked by the Iran war failing to boost prices.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
OpenAI's most basic ChatGPT offering is free, but comes with limitations.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Councilmembers have voiced worries about the limitations of free speech, especially on college campuses.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As the investigation twists and intensifies, Izzy is forced to confront her own compulsions and the personal cost of her pursuit of justice.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
20 Mar. 2026
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Constraints.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constraints. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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