as in constraints
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice
civil libertarians contend that the new laws place too many restraints on our constitutionally guaranteed rights
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Recent Examples of restraints
Colorado is among several states to prohibit or severely limit the use of chokeholds and neck restraints by police officers.
—
Morgan Lee, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
These agreements have quietly become one of the most consequential and least examined restraints on the dynamism of the American labor market, but that’s beginning to change.
—Morris M. Kleiner, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026
Democrats say any funding bill for the Homeland Security Department should place restraints on federal immigration authorities, including better identification for federal officers and more use of judicial warrants, among other asks.
—ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
The move aimed at strengthening Japan’s defense industrial base marks another step away from pacifist restraints that have shaped its postwar security policy.
—CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026
May's family had accused the jailers of using Tasers, pepper spray, and restraints on the inmate.
—Dan Raby, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
Sensible restraints on increases in spending tied to the state’s economy were enacted in a historic bipartisan agreement nine years ago.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026
Hegseth came out of his own service, in Iraq and Afghanistan, with the seeming conviction that what had stood in the way of a fuller victory in those wars had been the restraints supposedly placed on how soldiers could kill.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Ryan agreed to bring restraints, rope and a knife to the Banfields’ home.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
Morgan Lee, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
These agreements have quietly become one of the most consequential and least examined restraints on the dynamism of the American labor market, but that’s beginning to change.
—Morris M. Kleiner, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026
Democrats say any funding bill for the Homeland Security Department should place restraints on federal immigration authorities, including better identification for federal officers and more use of judicial warrants, among other asks.
—ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
The move aimed at strengthening Japan’s defense industrial base marks another step away from pacifist restraints that have shaped its postwar security policy.
—CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026
May's family had accused the jailers of using Tasers, pepper spray, and restraints on the inmate.
—Dan Raby, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
Sensible restraints on increases in spending tied to the state’s economy were enacted in a historic bipartisan agreement nine years ago.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026
Hegseth came out of his own service, in Iraq and Afghanistan, with the seeming conviction that what had stood in the way of a fuller victory in those wars had been the restraints supposedly placed on how soldiers could kill.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
Ryan agreed to bring restraints, rope and a knife to the Banfields’ home.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraints
Noun
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The shows are accompanied by similar drops in ad revenue and increasing production costs, an ongoing shift to digital viewership, political constraints and publicity-friendly interview questions.—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
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Once free of quota constraints, the Emirates can up its production by more than 40% to 5 million barrels per day, intensifying competition in markets where sub-Saharan Africa’s higher-cost producers are already vulnerable.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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After his availability is determined, Redick said the team will discuss any potential minutes restrictions.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Last fall, the Pentagon required reporters who cover the military to sign on to a host of restrictions in order to maintain daily access to the building.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
His voice and his music are unfailingly tasteful and pleasant, which is a key part of both his appeal and limitations.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The next three points argue for limitations to patents and copyrights.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restraints.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraints. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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