as in constraints
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice
civil libertarians contend that the new laws place too many restraints on our constitutionally guaranteed rights
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Recent Examples of restraints
The hospital's public safety officers also got training on the use of non-lethal restraints and pepper spray.
—
Cheryl Fiandaca, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
The city isn’t well-positioned to raise the money to address this fact in a sensible way, given limits on its taxing authority and current budgetary restraints.
—Kevin Cole, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Airport slogs continue to put pressure on lawmakers and the White House, but a deal remains elusive as Senate Democrats hold out for restraints on immigration agents.
—Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 26 Mar. 2026
Immigration enforcement at center of funding stalemate Mullin’s first challenge will be to restore routine funding to the department that has been blocked since mid-February as Democrats demand tighter restraints.
—Rebecca Santana, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2026
Immigration enforcement at center of funding stalemate Mullin’s first challenge will be to restore routine funding to the department that has been blocked since mid-February when Democrats demanded that immigration officers face tighter restraints.
—Rebecca Santana, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2026
Mullin’s first challenge will be to restore routine funding to the department that has been blocked since mid-February when Democrats demanded that immigration officers face tighter restraints.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
Immigration enforcement at center of funding stalemate Mullin’s first challenge will be to restore routine funding to the department that has been blocked since mid-February as Democrats demand tighter restraints.
—Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
The opening two weeks of the current fighting, however, have seen a significant loosening of the restraints on targeting critical infrastructure.
—Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2026
Cheryl Fiandaca, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
The city isn’t well-positioned to raise the money to address this fact in a sensible way, given limits on its taxing authority and current budgetary restraints.
—Kevin Cole, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Airport slogs continue to put pressure on lawmakers and the White House, but a deal remains elusive as Senate Democrats hold out for restraints on immigration agents.
—Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 26 Mar. 2026
Immigration enforcement at center of funding stalemate Mullin’s first challenge will be to restore routine funding to the department that has been blocked since mid-February as Democrats demand tighter restraints.
—Rebecca Santana, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2026
Immigration enforcement at center of funding stalemate Mullin’s first challenge will be to restore routine funding to the department that has been blocked since mid-February when Democrats demanded that immigration officers face tighter restraints.
—Rebecca Santana, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2026
Mullin’s first challenge will be to restore routine funding to the department that has been blocked since mid-February when Democrats demanded that immigration officers face tighter restraints.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
Immigration enforcement at center of funding stalemate Mullin’s first challenge will be to restore routine funding to the department that has been blocked since mid-February as Democrats demand tighter restraints.
—Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
The opening two weeks of the current fighting, however, have seen a significant loosening of the restraints on targeting critical infrastructure.
—Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restraints
Noun
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That could mean a delay of hours, days or longer depending on scheduling and technical constraints.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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With production pipelines in some regions backlogged due to capacity constraints, AI automation tools are enabling faster asset and scene creation.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Colorado officials argued that the law − which is similar to restrictions in about half the states – regulates professional conduct, not speech.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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Regional restrictions may apply.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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While Fisher’s athleticism leaves a lot to be desired, his high IQ and ability to diagnose from the middle make up for athletic limitations with an extra step on breaking up an offensive rhythm.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Mar. 2026
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That said, there are some important limitations to know.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Restraints.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restraints. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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