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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of constraints
Even so, supply constraints are unlikely to resolve quickly.
—
Jessica Lautz, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026
Jet fuel prices have doubled over the past month as crude supply problems have translated into supply constraints.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026
That said, Springfield has hindered municipalities in important ways from addressing their budget constraints.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Now those promises are colliding with fiscal constraints, coalition politics, and the realities of governing.
—Darius Khalil Gordon, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026
Use constraints as a competitive advantage.
—Lisa Song Sutton, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026
The analysts see execution risks to its in-house CPU initiative and memory supply constraints as a headwind to near-term growth.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
Using algorithms, rather than GPS connections, to fly drones will ease these constraints.
—Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
The Sentinel missile is also larger than the Minuteman, creating space constraints within the older silos.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026
Jessica Lautz, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026
Jet fuel prices have doubled over the past month as crude supply problems have translated into supply constraints.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026
That said, Springfield has hindered municipalities in important ways from addressing their budget constraints.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Now those promises are colliding with fiscal constraints, coalition politics, and the realities of governing.
—Darius Khalil Gordon, New York Daily News, 7 Apr. 2026
Use constraints as a competitive advantage.
—Lisa Song Sutton, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026
The analysts see execution risks to its in-house CPU initiative and memory supply constraints as a headwind to near-term growth.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
Using algorithms, rather than GPS connections, to fly drones will ease these constraints.
—Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
The Sentinel missile is also larger than the Minuteman, creating space constraints within the older silos.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constraints
Noun
-
China chip sector faces more disruption Washington’s various restrictions over the past few years have actually helped boost China’s domestic semiconductor industry, analysts told CNBC, with several companies reporting record revenues last year.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The matching restrictions do limit the ability of companies to claim to use carbon-free electricity 24/7 by using intermittent wind and solar power.—
Arik Levinson,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The layoffs add to Hollywood’s ongoing workforce reductions, with Sony Pictures also announcing significant cuts as media companies restructure amid industrywide pressures.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
-
That control over music concert ticketing means Ticketmaster pressures venues to charge high fees without fear that venues will switch to other providers, state attorneys general suing the company allege.—
Leah Nylen,
Bloomberg,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In conclusion, as the time limitations to bring construction claims in Florida continue to shorten, immediate action becomes even more critical.—
Keegan A. Berry,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Dovrat had a skill the Canes badly needed -- three-point shooting -- but his minutes were limited nonetheless because of limitations in his game.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
3 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 11 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
