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
The bill would bar, in most cases, federal agencies from putting pregnant women in restrictive housing or restraints.
—
Jon Schuppe, NBC news, 7 May 2026
The consultants have offered better ways to de-escalate confrontations with residents without resorting to the use of restraints such as the ones used on Moore, Brezee said.
—Arkansas Online, 6 May 2026
The other guys are on their feet, trying to break it up, someone is calling someone else a loser, there are swings and kicks and insults, men grabbing at other men, trying to restrain them and busting the restraints.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 6 May 2026
Irecognize the fiscal restraints the body was operating under.
—Rose Evans
may 6, Idaho Statesman, 6 May 2026
Magic Mountain removed Revolution’s simple lap bars in 1992 and installed over-the-shoulder restraints — resulting in head-banging headaches for dismayed riders and making the coaster painfully unrideable.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb’s decision not to re-sign Cloud came down to roster and salary-cap restraints.
—Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 4 May 2026
The American king has no restraints.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026
When the town select board made the decision to euthanize, Millis Animal Control Officer Erin Mallette told them her recommendation was for a statute of six corrective measures such as a muzzle and restraints.
—Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Jon Schuppe, NBC news, 7 May 2026
The consultants have offered better ways to de-escalate confrontations with residents without resorting to the use of restraints such as the ones used on Moore, Brezee said.
—Arkansas Online, 6 May 2026
The other guys are on their feet, trying to break it up, someone is calling someone else a loser, there are swings and kicks and insults, men grabbing at other men, trying to restrain them and busting the restraints.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 6 May 2026
Irecognize the fiscal restraints the body was operating under.
—Rose Evans
may 6, Idaho Statesman, 6 May 2026
Magic Mountain removed Revolution’s simple lap bars in 1992 and installed over-the-shoulder restraints — resulting in head-banging headaches for dismayed riders and making the coaster painfully unrideable.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb’s decision not to re-sign Cloud came down to roster and salary-cap restraints.
—Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 4 May 2026
The American king has no restraints.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026
When the town select board made the decision to euthanize, Millis Animal Control Officer Erin Mallette told them her recommendation was for a statute of six corrective measures such as a muzzle and restraints.
—Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraints
Noun
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The company has taken cues from DeepSeek's approach of delivering high-performing models under financial and technological constraints, according to cofounder and chief scientist Lin Dahua.—
Elaine Yu,
CNBC,
6 May 2026
-
The constraints are less dramatic.—
Paul M. Sutter,
Scientific American,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
While other states have debated — and, in Maryland’s case, passed — limitations on price surveillance, Colorado’s bill would be the strongest in the country, said Lee Hepner, a senior legal counsel for the American Economic Liberties Project.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
7 May 2026
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Saar’s leather pieces, featured prominently throughout the show, are another example of how in her hands, everyday objects extend beyond any limitations, feeling more like collage than anything else.—
Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restraints.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraints. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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