1
as in compels
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
constrained by conscience to tell only the truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in regulates
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of constrains
Its outcome could define how far immigration officers may go in workplaces across the country, shaping protections for millions of Americans employed in industries with large immigrant labor forces and testing whether the Fourth Amendment meaningfully constrains interior enforcement.
—
Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Viral outrage, administrative investigations and threats to cut state or federal funding to schools can all contribute to an intensifying climate of fear of retribution that constrains educators’ ability to teach freely.
—Laura Gail Miller, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2025
Such has been the patient sufferance of the women under this government, and such is now the necessity which constrains them to demand the equal station to which they are entitled.
—Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025
For what constrains both young men is not their actual jobs or income, but their status.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2025
The Cultural Dimension Culture amplifies or constrains collaboration.
—Thomas Lim, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The law also constrains practices that had allowed towing companies to start the sales process for some vehicles after 15 days.
—Dave Altimari, ProPublica, 9 Sep. 2025
Beijing’s close partnership with Pakistan — extending beyond economic corridors into military equipment and intelligence cooperation — further constrains how far ties can develop.
—Spriha Srivastava, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2025
But digital illiteracy still constrains African banks’ ability to serve their customers, according to nearly 8 in 10 respondents, made up of 203 senior banking executives from 40 African countries.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Viral outrage, administrative investigations and threats to cut state or federal funding to schools can all contribute to an intensifying climate of fear of retribution that constrains educators’ ability to teach freely.
—Laura Gail Miller, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2025
Such has been the patient sufferance of the women under this government, and such is now the necessity which constrains them to demand the equal station to which they are entitled.
—Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025
For what constrains both young men is not their actual jobs or income, but their status.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2025
The Cultural Dimension Culture amplifies or constrains collaboration.
—Thomas Lim, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The law also constrains practices that had allowed towing companies to start the sales process for some vehicles after 15 days.
—Dave Altimari, ProPublica, 9 Sep. 2025
Beijing’s close partnership with Pakistan — extending beyond economic corridors into military equipment and intelligence cooperation — further constrains how far ties can develop.
—Spriha Srivastava, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2025
But digital illiteracy still constrains African banks’ ability to serve their customers, according to nearly 8 in 10 respondents, made up of 203 senior banking executives from 40 African countries.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrains
Verb
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Both sides may have reasons to cut a deal before pretrial discovery compels Goodell, Gruden and others to testify under oath and share sensitive emails, texts and other documents.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Its central relationship compels, its side characters are rizz-y, and the writing is fire.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Bifidobacterium boosts the immune system, balances inflammation, regulates metabolism and helps to digest certain carbohydrates and dietary fibers.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Water regulates body temperature and lubricates your joints.—
Rebecca Valdez,
Verywell Health,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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And maybe, just maybe, forces Hamas to surrender in Gaza.—
Dan Perry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, the indie is set in the near future, where a retired soldier’s isolated existence is shattered when a runaway female android seeks refuge on his farm, sparking an unexpected bond that forces them to fight for their survival and for each other.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Known to relieve nausea and bloating, ginger contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
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Raw dog food typically contains human-grade meat and vegetables, and it has been linked to improved digestion for canines.—
Lex Goldstein,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While China often threatens and coerces other countries, such as in disputes with South Korea and Australia, its actions are often triggered by events that China feels directly threaten its core interests.—
David C. Kang,
Foreign Affairs,
19 Sep. 2025
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Compulsory heterosexuality is a theoretical framework coined by lesbian scholar Adrienne Rich in 1980 to describe how heterosexuality as an institution compels and coerces female sexuality for patriarchal purposes.—
Quispe López,
Them.,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Melatonin is a natural hormone produced in the body by the brain’s pineal gland which partially controls the sleep-wake cycle.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
But if the president controls the FCC, will speech be free?—
Erin Mansfield,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Rasmus Hojlund is the beneficiary and duly obliges with a low finish through goalkeeper Rui Silva’s legs for a goal that will live long in the memory.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
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But the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate obliges them to manage both inflation and unemployment.—
Drew O'Connor,
Nashville Tennessean,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Video shows the moment an officer in camouflage and tactical gear approaches an individual, after which another officer tackles the person, restrains them with plastic handcuffs, and leads them away.—
Hanna Park,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
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An 1878 law known as the Posse Comitatus Act generally restrains the use of the military for such purposes.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
17 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constrains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrains. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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