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 hospital's public safety officers also got training on the use of non-lethal restraints and pepper spray.
—
Cheryl Fiandaca, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
The city isn’t well-positioned to raise the money to address this fact in a sensible way, given limits on its taxing authority and current budgetary restraints.
—Kevin Cole, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Airport slogs continue to put pressure on lawmakers and the White House, but a deal remains elusive as Senate Democrats hold out for restraints on immigration agents.
—Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 26 Mar. 2026
Immigration enforcement at center of funding stalemate Mullin’s first challenge will be to restore routine funding to the department that has been blocked since mid-February as Democrats demand tighter restraints.
—Rebecca Santana, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2026
Immigration enforcement at center of funding stalemate Mullin’s first challenge will be to restore routine funding to the department that has been blocked since mid-February when Democrats demanded that immigration officers face tighter restraints.
—Rebecca Santana, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2026
Mullin’s first challenge will be to restore routine funding to the department that has been blocked since mid-February when Democrats demanded that immigration officers face tighter restraints.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
Immigration enforcement at center of funding stalemate Mullin’s first challenge will be to restore routine funding to the department that has been blocked since mid-February as Democrats demand tighter restraints.
—Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
The opening two weeks of the current fighting, however, have seen a significant loosening of the restraints on targeting critical infrastructure.
—Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2026
Cheryl Fiandaca, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
The city isn’t well-positioned to raise the money to address this fact in a sensible way, given limits on its taxing authority and current budgetary restraints.
—Kevin Cole, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Airport slogs continue to put pressure on lawmakers and the White House, but a deal remains elusive as Senate Democrats hold out for restraints on immigration agents.
—Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 26 Mar. 2026
Immigration enforcement at center of funding stalemate Mullin’s first challenge will be to restore routine funding to the department that has been blocked since mid-February as Democrats demand tighter restraints.
—Rebecca Santana, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2026
Immigration enforcement at center of funding stalemate Mullin’s first challenge will be to restore routine funding to the department that has been blocked since mid-February when Democrats demanded that immigration officers face tighter restraints.
—Rebecca Santana, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2026
Mullin’s first challenge will be to restore routine funding to the department that has been blocked since mid-February when Democrats demanded that immigration officers face tighter restraints.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
Immigration enforcement at center of funding stalemate Mullin’s first challenge will be to restore routine funding to the department that has been blocked since mid-February as Democrats demand tighter restraints.
—Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
The opening two weeks of the current fighting, however, have seen a significant loosening of the restraints on targeting critical infrastructure.
—Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraints
Noun
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However, their work now takes place as the Iran war creates serious supply constraints for essential fertilizer products — fueling massive price spikes and warnings of looming food insecurity.—
Chloe Taylor,Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
25 Mar. 2026
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And operating outside the FCC’s licensing regime under Carr, those spaces will face fewer constraints and be more motivated by subscription models, algorithms, and niche audiences like most businesses.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Several towns and cities across Colorado's Front Range are already announcing, or considering, water restrictions before the summer has even arrived.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
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Listings on the Swimply app says whether parties are allowed at the venue and also include details on the maximum number of guests allowed, access to restrooms and parking and any age or pet restrictions.—
Mary Ramsey
March 25,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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While Fisher’s athleticism leaves a lot to be desired, his high IQ and ability to diagnose from the middle make up for athletic limitations with an extra step on breaking up an offensive rhythm.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Mar. 2026
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That said, there are some important limitations to know.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restraints.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraints. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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