RESTRICT Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

restrict

verb

ri-ˈstrikt

Definition of restrict next

as in to limit

to set bounds or an upper limit for will restrict access to the laboratory

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 In November, an appeals court also halted a ruling from a federal judge in Chicago that restricted federal agents from using certain riot control weapons, such as tear gas and pepper balls, unless necessary to prevent an immediate threat. —

CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026 So there's thoughts about restricting some of that, restricting how much exposure there is. —

Dana Taylor, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026 The Nobel Peace Prize laureate has also been restricted access to her family, the Foundation said, and has only had one phone call with her brother on December 14, with no contact since then. —

Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026 Council Member Mike Siegel questioned whether the agreement adequately restricts outside access to camera footage and prevents the company from using data to train its AI models. —

Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restrict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrict

limit

Verb

However, stacking many layers increases the electrical contact resistance at their interfaces, which leads to energy losses and limits overall efficiency, as per the release.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
No purchase is required, and the offer is limited to one biscuit per person.

— Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026