1
as in compelled
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
constrained by conscience to tell only the truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in controlled
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
constrained his anger at the needless interruption
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in restrained
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of constrained
Christian MacEdonia, The Conversation, 3 Jan. 2025
Even constrained by the low initial altitude, the toss method helps keep Ukrainian jets outside the range of Russia’s most dangerous surface-to-air missile batteries.
—David Axe, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
However, adults often stop asking as much, constrained by fear of judgment, rigid workplace expectations, or prioritization of efficiency.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Dipping oil isn’t constrained to bread.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024
As the problem grows worse, leaders constrained by political considerations keep eking out piecemeal solutions.
—Justin Worland, TIME, 26 Dec. 2024
These systems not only help to reduce the cost for the client and law firm, but also make legal services more accessible to those who might be resource constrained.
—Ron Schmelzer, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
This approach helps maximize the utility of a limited number of qubits, especially given that quantum hardware is currently constrained in scale.
—Yuval Boger, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
But the reality was that choices were constrained, communication was sparse and most employees opted for the same plan year after year.
—Tim Pratte, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
Unlike other fields that have large, high-quality datasets available to train AI models, such as image analysis and language processing, the AI in drug development is constrained by small, low-quality datasets.
—Christian MacEdonia, The Conversation, 3 Jan. 2025
Even constrained by the low initial altitude, the toss method helps keep Ukrainian jets outside the range of Russia’s most dangerous surface-to-air missile batteries.
—David Axe, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
However, adults often stop asking as much, constrained by fear of judgment, rigid workplace expectations, or prioritization of efficiency.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Dipping oil isn’t constrained to bread.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2024
As the problem grows worse, leaders constrained by political considerations keep eking out piecemeal solutions.
—Justin Worland, TIME, 26 Dec. 2024
These systems not only help to reduce the cost for the client and law firm, but also make legal services more accessible to those who might be resource constrained.
—Ron Schmelzer, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
This approach helps maximize the utility of a limited number of qubits, especially given that quantum hardware is currently constrained in scale.
—Yuval Boger, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
But the reality was that choices were constrained, communication was sparse and most employees opted for the same plan year after year.
—Tim Pratte, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrained
Verb
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The bipartisan vote for release marks a significant shift, as Republicans in the full House had previously blocked two Democratic resolutions that would have compelled the report's release.—
Gord Magill,
Newsweek,
22 Dec. 2024
-
Without China making the first move, Chinese firms will be compelled by genuine market forces rather than often heavy-handed and inefficient state mandates to realize Xi’s vision.—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The interior is a little more restrained, with the two-seat cabin done up mainly in black and exposed carbon fiber, though the six-point harnesses on the racing seats do feature bold yellow accents.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
29 Aug. 2025
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Griffin Dunne, Carol Kane, Liev Schreiber, Bad Bunny, Regina King, Vincent D’Onofrio, and more (plus a murderer’s row of recognizable NYC voices) all add the kind of sparkle that Butler’s more restrained (and often quite compelling) performance can’t quite allow for.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you.—
Amy Fischer MS, RD,
Health,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Currently, the disposal of wind turbine waste is regulated by the localities and states hosting wind turbine projects.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The truck contained an Islamic State flag, according to authorities.—
Jackson Walker,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Jan. 2025
-
For many years, political elites deluded themselves into thinking that the existential threat posed by radical Islamic jihad was somehow limited or contained.—
Newsweek,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The Basics of Philosophy focuses on a repressed philosophy professor (Huston) who has been grappling with lingering guilt over a decision from his past when the victim suddenly returns to his life.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Aug. 2025
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When a married mussel farmer’s routine is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious stranger, repressed realities of self rise to the surface.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Willard obliged, giving the soon-to-be NBA draft pick the team’s final shot.—
Bennett Conlin,
Baltimore Sun,
24 Mar. 2025
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Whether the head coach truly obliged Fudd’s request remains a point of contention.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Also, the volatility created by policy shocks often resets valuations and creates opportunity for disciplined buyers.—
John Buckingham,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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Knockouts Argentina put up a serious fight against Colombia in the first semi-final, even starting the game on the front-foot thanks to some disciplined and well-drilled work out of possession.—
Neel Shelat,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
But negative guidance from the CDC may affect insurance coverage because insurers are only obligated to cover vaccines that have been recommended by the agency.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
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While Gastineau suggests the omission of his alleged handshake with Favre alters the analysis, a film company isn’t obligated to show the entirety of an event.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
14 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrained. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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