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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 restraints
State law prohibits using restraints on children in fifth grade or below in all but the most dangerous situations.
—
Clare Amari, New York Times, 27 May 2026
In fact, a report by OIG just last year highlighted this as a problem and even led to significant changes at USP Thomson (IL) that had a history of misusing restraints on inmates.
—Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
While some rides have computer systems that can help alert attendants to potential problems, attendants are in charge of checking restraints, conducting daily maintenance and operation inspections, and dispatch rides.
—Sara Kiley Watson, Popular Science, 13 May 2026
Allen’s attorneys complained that he had been unnecessarily confined in a padded room with constant lighting, repeatedly strip searched and placed in restraints outside his cell.
—Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Federal officers also used excessive force to detain people, including chokeholds and restraints that are not permissible under Illinois or federal law.
—Edwin C. Yohnka, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
While that can be tricky territory for guild signatories trying to reassure talent that they aren’t being supplanted by cheaper, non-human production methods, an emerging content outlet like Canela has fewer traditional restraints.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 May 2026
Staff put the man in restraints and took him away to decontaminate.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
Before being taken to the new jail, those being held were placed in handcuffs, waist chains and leg restraints.
—Kansas City Star, 10 May 2026
Clare Amari, New York Times, 27 May 2026
In fact, a report by OIG just last year highlighted this as a problem and even led to significant changes at USP Thomson (IL) that had a history of misusing restraints on inmates.
—Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
While some rides have computer systems that can help alert attendants to potential problems, attendants are in charge of checking restraints, conducting daily maintenance and operation inspections, and dispatch rides.
—Sara Kiley Watson, Popular Science, 13 May 2026
Allen’s attorneys complained that he had been unnecessarily confined in a padded room with constant lighting, repeatedly strip searched and placed in restraints outside his cell.
—Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Federal officers also used excessive force to detain people, including chokeholds and restraints that are not permissible under Illinois or federal law.
—Edwin C. Yohnka, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
While that can be tricky territory for guild signatories trying to reassure talent that they aren’t being supplanted by cheaper, non-human production methods, an emerging content outlet like Canela has fewer traditional restraints.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 May 2026
Staff put the man in restraints and took him away to decontaminate.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
Before being taken to the new jail, those being held were placed in handcuffs, waist chains and leg restraints.
—Kansas City Star, 10 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraints
Noun
-
That comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told CBS News that Ukraine is only getting about 60 to 65 interceptor missiles each month, given production constraints.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
-
Certain parts are engineered to be systematically replaced during routine maintenance, which lowers initial manufacturing constraints and reduces long-term operational overhead.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
The rankings were made based on several factors, from laws related to bathroom access to restrictions on drag performances to state leadership scores and shield laws.—
Finch Walker,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
-
While Chicago has long regulated street vending through permits and restrictions, vendors and advocates say the recent enforcement appears more coordinated and punitive than in the past.—
Laura Rodríguez Presa,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
To work around these limitations, epidemiologists in the field have turned to broader-spectrum diagnostic kits and alternative rapid assays, though shortages of testing supplies and the logistical difficulties of operating in remote outbreak regions continue to hamper response efforts.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
29 May 2026
-
Remedies range from re-testing to limitations on the license to suspension or more, depending on the driver’s competency.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restraints.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraints. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
