Synonyms of constrain

constrain

verb

kən-ˈstrān 

1

as in to compel

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure

constrained by conscience to tell only the truth

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compel
• coerce
• force
• obligate
• oblige
• drive
• impel
• pressure
• impress
• intimidate
• make
• muscle
• press
• blackmail
• threaten
• bully
• sandbag
• dragoon
• browbeat
• blackjack
• twist one's arm
• bulldoze
• terrorize
• drag
• shame
• harass
• hector
• cow
• high-pressure
• menace
• badger
• hound

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• let
• allow
• permit
• move
• induce
• satisfy
• convince
• argue
• talk (into)
• win (over)
• persuade
• prevail (on or upon)

2

as in to regulate

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)

constrained his anger at the needless interruption

Synonyms & Similar Words

• regulate
• contain
• control
• restrain
• keep
• curb
• stifle
• measure
• suppress
• inhibit
• govern
• tame
• rule
• hold
• check
• stop
• repress
• rein (in)
• impede
• hinder
• bridle
• interrupt
• pull in
• strangle
• swallow
• obstruct
• smother
• hamper
• choke (back)
• hold back
• block
• muffle
• arrest
• squelch
• sink
• silence
• bottle (up)
• mince
• handcuff
• pocket
• muzzle
• gag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• liberate
• loosen
• express
• loose
• unleash
• take out
• vent
• air

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

Recent Examples of constrain

However, Lee expects AMD is constrained in its ability to meet the strong demand, unlike competitors such as Intel that have capacity to ramp up production. —Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 4 May 2026

Today, roughly half of the global ethylene and polyethylene supply is stranded, constrained, or directly affected by the halt to commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial transit point for 20% of the world’s crude. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026

When one of those levers is constrained, the others have to do more of the work. —Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026

Parents, for their part, have also reported feeling constrained, Cross says. —Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 30 Apr. 2026