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 Statesman also discovered that although a 2017 Texas law requires new school buses to have seat belts, many older buses — like the 2011 model involved in the Hays crash — remain without restraints.
—
Keri Heath, Austin American-Statesman, 18 Dec. 2024
Reality intrudes — in the form of external crises, financial restraints, political roadblocks, and subsequent elections that demonstrate that your ideology isn’t popular when put into practice.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Dec. 2024
In his dresser, investigators found items including a gag, restraints, a black hat and zip ties.
—Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 19 Dec. 2024
Some were also put in four-point restraints, where every limb was chained to a concrete slab.
—Christie Thompson, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024
Under bureau policy, nurses are required to record video of their medical assessments of prisoners in restraints.
—Christie Thompson, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024
The inspector general for the Justice Department is currently investigating the use of restraints across all federal prisons.
—Christie Thompson, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024
He was placed in both leg and waist restraints before heading to the courthouse, the department confirmed.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
The overall spending tracks the numbers established in a 2023 agreement that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached with President Joe Biden to increase the nation's borrowing authority and avoid a federal default in exchange for spending restraints.
—Democrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Keri Heath, Austin American-Statesman, 18 Dec. 2024
Reality intrudes — in the form of external crises, financial restraints, political roadblocks, and subsequent elections that demonstrate that your ideology isn’t popular when put into practice.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Dec. 2024
In his dresser, investigators found items including a gag, restraints, a black hat and zip ties.
—Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 19 Dec. 2024
Some were also put in four-point restraints, where every limb was chained to a concrete slab.
—Christie Thompson, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024
Under bureau policy, nurses are required to record video of their medical assessments of prisoners in restraints.
—Christie Thompson, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024
The inspector general for the Justice Department is currently investigating the use of restraints across all federal prisons.
—Christie Thompson, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024
He was placed in both leg and waist restraints before heading to the courthouse, the department confirmed.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
The overall spending tracks the numbers established in a 2023 agreement that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached with President Joe Biden to increase the nation's borrowing authority and avoid a federal default in exchange for spending restraints.
—Democrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraints
Noun
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Critics, however, question whether any substantial shipbuilding increase is feasible given budgetary constraints.—
Micah McCartney,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
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Their work spans geometry, kinematics, and dynamics of robotic systems under constraints, using predictive models and optimal control principles to enhance robotic movement.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Amazon puts significant restrictions on new product sales.—
Tom Wicky,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
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With many families managing dietary restrictions, this recall highlights the importance of double-checking ingredient lists—even for simple staples.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
Noun
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But the study is just a jumping-off point—there are some limitations.—
Elizabeth Yuko,
Health,
11 Apr. 2025
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But the most likely outcome for that second leg is another clear demonstration of the squad’s limitations.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restraints.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraints. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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