RESTRICT Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'restrict' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of restrict are circumscribe , confine , and limit . While all these words mean "to set bounds for," restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary. // laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

Q: When might 'circumscribe' be a better fit than 'restrict'?

The words circumscribe and restrict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries. // the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

Q: When can 'confine' be used instead of 'restrict'?

Although the words confine and restrict have much in common, confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering. // our choices were confined by finances

Q: When would 'limit' be a good substitute for 'restrict'?

In some situations, the words limit and restrict are roughly equivalent. However, limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go. // visits are limited to 30 minutes

restrict

verb

ri-ˈstrikt

Definition of restrict next

as in to limit

to set bounds or an upper limit for will restrict access to the laboratory

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How is the word restrict different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of restrict are circumscribe, confine, and limit. While all these words mean "to set bounds for," restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

When might circumscribe be a better fit than restrict?

The words circumscribe and restrict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

When can confine be used instead of restrict?

Although the words confine and restrict have much in common, confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

When would limit be a good substitute for restrict?

In some situations, the words limit and restrict are roughly equivalent. However, limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

visits are limited to 30 minutes

Examples 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 restrict This goes further and even enables a developer to restrict its app if the OS on a device is older than Android 13. —

Zak Doffman, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025 No longer restricted by the perimeter of the planet, the orbiting radio-telescope network — through the interferometry technique — would have a larger diameter than the planet-wide EHT, therefore providing better image quality and better resolution. —

Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 4 Jan. 2025 Denver’s licenses for cannabis delivery businesses are permanently restricted to people who qualify under the city’s social equity program. —

Judith Kohler, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2025 Seattle, like other cities, must follow that state law — although the city passed its own ordinance in 2003 restricting police officers from asking about people's immigration status. —

Melissa Santos, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for restrict