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
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2
as in restriction
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice
put legal constraints on the board's activities
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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
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of constraint
Going forward, the research group plans to further develop the system to address the short operation time, as well as the limited number of flavor channels and constraints on how it is used.
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IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2024
Wheels could also be made more aerodynamically efficient without the constraints of rotors and calipers.
—New Atlas, 25 Nov. 2024
The contentious plebiscite on whether to boost pension payouts failed to pass in October, with Uruguayans rejecting generous pensions in favor of fiscal constraint.
—Nayara Batschke, Los Angeles Times, 24 Nov. 2024
Your primary constraint, the one that supersedes all others with no exceptions, is the U.S. Constitution, which gives the power of the purse to Congress.
—Kathryn Anne Edwards, The Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for constraint 
IEEE Spectrum, 25 Nov. 2024
Wheels could also be made more aerodynamically efficient without the constraints of rotors and calipers.
—New Atlas, 25 Nov. 2024
The contentious plebiscite on whether to boost pension payouts failed to pass in October, with Uruguayans rejecting generous pensions in favor of fiscal constraint.
—Nayara Batschke, Los Angeles Times, 24 Nov. 2024
Your primary constraint, the one that supersedes all others with no exceptions, is the U.S. Constitution, which gives the power of the purse to Congress.
—Kathryn Anne Edwards, The Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for constraint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constraint
Noun
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History shows that control and restraint are essential when managing systems with the potential to destabilize rather than improve.Amir Hayeri, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
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And why are people still giving time to a guy who trumpets misogyny and anti-semitism, denies the Holocaust, pals around with white nationalist dweebs, including Donald Trump, and recently made Alex Jones look like a paragon of reason and restraint?SPIN Team, SPIN, 28 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The move may be seen as a retaliation over the U.S. imposing restrictions on the sale of advanced AI chips and technology to China.Nathan Bomey, Axios, 9 Dec. 2024
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And that’s because YouTube offers fewer restrictions on format, length, and style — as well as the ability to tap into passionate fandoms.Anne Marie Nelson-Bogle, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Sure, some people respond well to the pressure of a looming deadline.Craig Dunaway, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
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Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body fat puts pressure on your blood vessels, raising the risk of varicose and spider veins.Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The familiar problems with interceptions, lack of discipline and missed kicks keep popping up.Zac Jackson, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
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Adhering to the right process fosters discipline and attentiveness, qualities that enhance your ability to learn and adapt.Joseph Sudhip, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
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But the current legislative inspector general, who took over from Pope nearly three years ago, told the Tribune these limitations haven’t been a problem.Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 15 Dec. 2024
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There are also limitations because of battery life.Asuka Kawanabe, WIRED, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
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These obsessions lead you to do repetitive behaviors, also called compulsions.Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
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These obsessions and compulsions can vary from person to person, Reinmann says.Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024
Noun
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This emotional repression can lead to feelings of envy toward women, who are far more culturally permitted to express a broader emotional range.Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
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Rasoulof was inspired to make the film while imprisoned for criticizing government repression of civilian protests.Gregory Ellwood, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
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There was this lack of inhibition when I was introduced to the world of acting for the first time.Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024
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Mid-month gets interesting with the full moon in Aries, peaking on Oct. 17 while touching down on your 12th house of secrets, inhibitions and healing.Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near constraint
Cite this Entry
“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constraint. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.
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