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 The language and specificity of bans that constrain which children get to play sports and where vary, but increasing numbers of them reach down to constrain children as young as kindergarten. Dr. Jen Harvey, CNN Money, 19 July 2025 Subjecting the chief executive to criminal liability for participating in policy decisions that might indirectly affect personal finances could constrain the ability to govern. MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025 Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and the Trump administration are eager to ramp up judicial confirmations, but their efforts have been constrained by the limited number of current vacancies. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2025 Undermining green energy growth removes one of gas’s most important allies—and, paradoxically, could constrain its future. Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for constrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrain
Verb
  • This fosters a competitive market where vendors are compelled to innovate on value, not by locking customers into their ecosystem.
    Rajat Bhargava, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • American filmmakers are mostly hostile to the technology, citing intellectual property theft, strained labor relations, and the environmental impact of data farms — while Chinese creatives have been compelled to embrace the speed and ease of AI for innovation.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • At some point, perhaps, Congress might even craft legislation that gives more direct guidance on how the EPA should regulate greenhouse gases.
    Justin Worland, Time, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The crypto law, known in the chambers as Bill No. 247, is a renewed and more robust legislative effort to regulate cryptoassets in Panama, introduced in 2025 by Alternate Deputy Solís.
    Javier Bastardo, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The attention influencers and celebrities generate fuels this model, but rest assured, checks and balances coerce cooperation.
    Solo Ceesay, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2025
  • If Messi and teammate Jordi Alba skip the event and avoid immediate sanctions, as early reporting from ESPN suggests, what is to coerce Kylian Mbappe 10 years or Lamine Yamal 20 years from now in the twilight of their careers?
    Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • This post contains minor spoilers for Happy Gilmore 2. Nearly 30 years ago, Christopher McDonald left an indelible mark on pop culture with his performance as smarmy professional golfer Shooter McGavin in the 1996 sports comedy classic Happy Gilmore.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 25 July 2025
  • Her rental car, containing her suitcase and all of her belongings, is towed.
    Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • So far nothing is forcing the city to even help arrest immigrants, even if Immigration and Customs Enforcement asks. Ohio State Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania) has introduced House Bill 26, which directs state and local authorities to assist ICE.
    Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
  • In 2022, then-Land Commissioner George P. Bush forced Paxton into a runoff in his bid for a third term for attorney general.
    John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 2025
  • However, there's a significant difference between containing and controlling a wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • However, a driver is not legally obligated to submit to a field sobriety test, pre-arrest test or cheek swab at a DUI checkpoint, according to the Law Offices of Grech and Parker in Riverside. Field sobriety tests are subjective and may not accurately measure sobriety, according to Bee archives.
    Sarah Linn, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
  • Serving as the unofficial GM of the team founded by Marc D’Amelio, Boatright, 32, told the FS2 announcers he was obligated to play through his twisted ankle and take the lead.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Video posted to social media by a passenger showed law enforcement escorting a man off the plane with his hands restrained behind his back.
    Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 18 July 2025
  • Farrell was then restrained by crew members and escorted off stage.
    Michaela Zee, Variety, 16 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrain. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on constrain

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