1
as in to compel
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
constrained by conscience to tell only the truth
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to regulate
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
constrained his anger at the needless interruption
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in restrained
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in compelled
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
constrained by conscience to tell only the truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of constrain
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Other economic crises in the recent past were caused by outside events, so CEOs weren’t constrained from speaking honestly to the dangers and their companies’ response.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for constrain
Verb
The administration is ramping up pressure on immigration authorities to accelerate deportations—efforts that are currently constrained by limited resources and detention space.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Other economic crises in the recent past were caused by outside events, so CEOs weren’t constrained from speaking honestly to the dangers and their companies’ response.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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
See All Example Sentences for constrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrain
Adjective
-
Simmons' initial reaction to the insult was a bit more restrained than his typical unfiltered comments.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
This year, the prestigious but far more restrained perpetual calendar was the complication of choice.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The introduction of Spacek as Molly’s mother, Gail, is a needed catalyst that drives Molly’s repressed trauma out into the light.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Gail Baines is buttoned-up, repressed school administrator who struggles to connect to people, including her co-workers, her daughter Debbie, and her ex-husband, Max.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Like Texas, South Carolina is long, disciplined and absolutely ferocious down low.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Their 18-game unbeaten streak, characterised by disciplined defending, swift counter-attacks, and strong team cohesion, has captured the attention of both fans and pundits.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The message to them all is chilling: even legal, orderly entry under humanitarian programs supported by presidential authority and congressional funding may no longer provide protection.—
Andy J. Semotiuk,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
These are voices that tell you where to go, what to do and how to behave in order to move in an orderly way through the urban environment, and they are meant to maintain calm efficiency, not unlike Bitching Betty.—
Sarah A. Bell,
Smithsonian Magazine,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrain. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
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