restrict

Synonym Chooser

How is the word restrict different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of restrict are circumscribe, confine, and limit. While all these words mean "to set bounds for," restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

When might circumscribe be a better fit than restrict?

The words circumscribe and restrict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

When can confine be used instead of restrict?

Although the words confine and restrict have much in common, confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

When would limit be a good substitute for restrict?

In some situations, the words limit and restrict are roughly equivalent. However, limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

visits are limited to 30 minutes

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 restrict No tax dollars go into the Aviation budget, and federal rules on money earned from air travel restrict local governments from diverting airport revenue to pay for general government expenses. Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2025 Speech can be restricted on private property. Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 17 Oct. 2025 The First Amendment only restricts the actions of the government regarding speech, not that of private individuals, organizations or businesses. Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 17 Oct. 2025 Food assistance leaders in the state worried about what will happen to Colorado communities already plagued by hunger after the looming federal cuts and restricted access to resources. Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for restrict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrict
limit
Verb
  • Lyra’s existence pushes back against the moral absolutes and gendered expectations that define her world and seek to limit her agency.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
  • This helps limit what hackers and AI scrapers can learn about you online.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restrict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrict. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on restrict

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!