1
as in restraint
the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others
in civilized society people do not just say or do whatever they feel like—they exercise some constraint
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice
put legal constraints on the board's activities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pressure
the use of power to impose one's will on another
parental constraint can take several different forms, including a denial of the approval that children usually seek from their parents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 constraint
Trump’s deportations and constraints on Southern border crossings are well under way.
—
Paul Davidson, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025
The labour market has softened, and capacity constraints mean even tepid growth is generating inflation pressures.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
The project faces geometric constraints as its gradients have to be much less steep than highways, Lou Thompson, former rail authority peer review group chair, said.
—Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025
In the case of child-rearing, very specific economic constraints that are more prevalent in LGBTQ populations likely play a large part in observed differences in the desire to have children.
—Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Paul Davidson, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025
The labour market has softened, and capacity constraints mean even tepid growth is generating inflation pressures.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
The project faces geometric constraints as its gradients have to be much less steep than highways, Lou Thompson, former rail authority peer review group chair, said.
—Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025
In the case of child-rearing, very specific economic constraints that are more prevalent in LGBTQ populations likely play a large part in observed differences in the desire to have children.
—Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constraint
Noun
-
Each kaiseki dish reflects a deep understanding of these methods, applied with restraint and purpose.—
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
-
Instead of stabbing him, Dexter sliced off one of the restraints to free Batista.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The determination comes after months of warnings by aid groups that Israel’s restrictions of food and other aid into Gaza, and its military offensive, were causing starvation among Palestinian civilians, particularly children.—
Sam Mednick,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Moon Alert: After 2 a.m. EDT, there are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The result is an internalized doubt fueled by systemic bias and the daily pressures of sleepless nights, new responsibilities, and the demand to perform as if nothing has changed.—
Christine Michel Carter,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
However, the disappointing start to DeBoer's second year will ramp up the pressure.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Kobe Bryant’s greatness was the product of preparation, discipline, and the right mindset.—
True Tamplin,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Senate Bill 37 requires public colleges and universities to abolish their faculty associations as currently structured and gives the chancellors and trustees more power over faculty discipline, hiring and curriculum.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
But the limitation in the food up here was something.—
Dian Zhang,
USA Today,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Both procedures have limitations, are primarily cosmetic, and may not be covered by insurance.—
Bryant Stamford,
The Courier-Journal,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Season three of 100 Foot Wave, which this year has been nominated for four Emmys — one for outstanding cinematography and another for outstanding documentary series — centers on big-wave pioneer Garrett McNamara and his decades-long compulsion to surf the 100-foot wave.—
Trey Williams,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Aug. 2025
-
During compulsions, anterior GPe delta power showed a non-significant trend toward decreasing as anxiety lessened.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
3 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands are fleeing repression under President Daniel Ortega and co-President Rosario Murillo, who have consolidated control and dismantled civil society.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Chinese state-run media have also run cover for the CCP’s human rights abuses, such as its repression of the Uyghurs.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
That May Stave Off Disease Alzheimer's: Scientists Discover What Sparks Disease Arthritis Treatment Reduces Painful Flare-Ups, Slows Disease Illustration representing inhibition of protein complex 'mTORC1' by rapamycin leading to immunosuppression for a tumor.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The most recognizable symptoms are a loss of social inhibition, inappropriate behavior, and lack of self-care.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constraint. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share