Definition of restrictionnext
1
as in limitation
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice the logging company decided to relocate to another state where there would be fewer restrictions on its operations

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in constraint
the act or practice of keeping something (as an activity) within certain boundaries the restriction of surfing to the southern end of the beach rankled some surfers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 restriction In the meantime, the restrictions imposed by the preliminary injunction will remain in effect absent further court action. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 2026 California has strong laws that prevent homeowner associations from blocking solar panels or imposing unreasonable restrictions on them, Kaatz said. — Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026 Lutheran High School officials told parents that if the CHSAA finds any violations during its investigation, the school will get written notice and five days to respond before any restrictions take effect. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 Researchers say the actual number of denaturalization cases could be higher than their latest estimates, as filings are difficult to track and obtain due to privacy restrictions. — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restriction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restriction
Noun
  • Because of this limitation, even the emergence of an antibiotic-resistant strain won’t necessarily spark a new pandemic, Wagner says, noting that such strains have already shown up in Madagascar.
    — Faye Flam, Scientific American, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Hurun cross-checked its information with entrepreneurs, regulators, industry experts and others to compile the list, while acknowledging limitations.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Those capabilities could support missions that face significant constraints under conventional spacecraft designs.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Beset by budget constraints, the museum ceased operations in June.
    — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restriction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restriction. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster