Synonyms of restrict

restrict

verb

ri-ˈstrikt 

as in to limit

to set bounds or an upper limit for

will restrict access to the laboratory

Synonyms & Similar Words

• limit
• confine
• tighten
• hinder
• impede
• hold down
• circumscribe
• suppress
• obstruct
• cap
• block
• hamper
• modify
• narrow
• lessen
• repress
• constrict
• number
• bar
• squeeze
• quell
• qualify
• contract
• pinch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exceed
• expand
• broaden
• widen
• overextend
• overreach

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

Recent Examples of restrict

But the possibility that a vaccine could be restricted or no longer covered by insurance is already changing how parents approach immunization. —Jackie Fortiér, CNN Money, 28 July 2025

What Happens Next International adoptions to the U.S. are likely to remain low as more countries restrict foreign adoptions and domestic placements increase in many origin countries. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 July 2025

Trump’s pressure campaign on U.S. universities has ranged from slashing billions of dollars in research funding to restricting international students. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 July 2025

The City Council Ethics Committee on Monday advanced an ordinance that restricts when the city’s Law Department can attend investigative interviews and lays out when city attorneys can claim attorney-client privilege to avoid sharing records sought by the inspector general. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025