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

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 The main argument from bankers is that a 10 percent cap would end up restricting credit to consumers and small business owners, possibly cutting some off entirely. —

Susan Tompor, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026 Assembly Bill 1157, introduced last year to further restrict how much landlords can raise the rent each year, failed to get enough votes Tuesday despite being authored by the committee chair, Democratic Assemblymember Ash Kalra of San Jose. —

Calmatters, Oc Register, 14 Jan. 2026 But in recent decades, the Supreme Court has repeatedly restricted the ability to sue under Bivens. —

Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026 The state’s Public Health Committee plans to reintroduce legislation in the upcoming session next month that would restrict private equity from managing the core function of hospitals. —

Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restrict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrict

limit

Verb

Instead, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow bolstered the pitching staff with a lefty who doesn't throw hard but limits home runs and keeps batters off balance by changing speeds and hitting the corners.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026
Cotton told the Los Angeles Times that they were not only limited to the estate's size — needing rooms big enough for the famous round table — but also its unique vibe.

— Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026