constrain

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of constrain are coerce, compel, force, and oblige. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

When could coerce be used to replace constrain?

Although the words coerce and constrain have much in common, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.

coerced into signing over the rights

When would compel be a good substitute for constrain?

The meanings of compel and constrain largely overlap; however, compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.

compelled to admit my mistake

Where would force be a reasonable alternative to constrain?

While the synonyms force and constrain are close in meaning, force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress.

forced to flee for their lives

When is oblige a more appropriate choice than constrain?

In some situations, the words oblige and constrain are roughly equivalent. However, oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty.

felt obliged to go

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 constrain Some warnings have cited Trump’s authoritarian rhetoric, willingness to undermine or malign institutions meant to constrain any president, and a combative style that strives to stretch executive power as far as possible. Victor Menaldo, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025 Too little latitude, and the agent’s capabilities are constrained to answering basic questions. Mike Walsh, Harvard Business Review, 15 Jan. 2025 Research shows that climate change is heightening the conditions that lead to fire-conducive weather, including drying out vegetation and constraining water supplies. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2025 In a network that's super cheap and easy to extend, that doesn't have to be constrained by geography or existing road networks. New Atlas, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for constrain 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrain
Verb
  • The offers have been enticing enough to compel at least half of Solaris owners to sell over the past two years, according to property records.
    Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The official added that the most important issue for Ukraine now is how to get it in the strongest possible position vis-a-vis Russia and to compel Putin to negotiate.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Zoom out: The announcement comes a day after Trump signed an executive order rescinding a Biden-era executive order regulating AI.
    Sareen Habeshian, Axios, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The dye, which has been registered with and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since 1971, is used by food manufacturers to achieve a bright red color.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • But a divided panel of appeals court judges said the parents hadn’t shown that they or their children had been coerced to believe or act contrary to their religious views.
    Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
  • In early 2018, the Kansas Court of Appeals ruled that Samuels had coerced McCool into letting the deputy sheriff search his apartment and vacated the convictions.
    Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The Eaton Fire in the Altadena area was 95% contained at 14,021 acres.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Which team’s pass rush bothers or contains the other QB more effectively might tip this result.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The human dancing videos and the cat dancing videos on TikTok have nothing on the dancing by politicians who voted for the law forcing its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to either sell the popular and addictive app or face a shutdown in this country.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Expect ample debates over social media moderation and the future of TikTok after the Supreme Court on Friday backed a law forcing the app’s owner, ByteDance, to sell it to a non-Chinese owner or face a ban in the United States.
    Lauren Hirsch, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Israel has controlled the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing since it was captured last May, and it has been shut since then.
    Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Privacy And Data Concerns Larger, consolidated companies control vast amounts of data, raising concerns about data security, privacy and potential misuse.
    Andrew Neal, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Section 117 of the Higher Education Act obligates schools to report foreign gifts above specific thresholds to the Department of Education.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Under a separate agency regulation, he was obligated to submit a final report—one volume on each prosecution—to Attorney General Merrick Garland, who has committed to publishing both documents.
    Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Personnel restrained Owens and the flight departing from that gate was delayed, according to the statement.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Jan. 2025
  • When Collins swatted Acevedo’s hand away, he was restrained and punched repeatedly by Zapata for about nine seconds until other officers intervened, urging their supervisor to back down.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near constrain

Cite this Entry

“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrain. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on constrain

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