restriction

noun

re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən How to pronounce restriction (audio)
Synonyms of restrictionnext
1
: something that restricts: such as
a
: a regulation that restricts or restrains
restrictions for hunters
b
: a limitation on the use or enjoyment of property or a facility
2
: an act of restricting : the condition of being restricted

Synonyms of restriction

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Examples of restriction in a Sentence

Building in that area came with some restrictions. They placed restrictions on smoking indoors. They will lift export restrictions. illegal restriction of free speech
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Players could challenge free agency restrictions, the draft and other restraints on trade. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026 Even as ticketing platforms roll out anti-bot measures, resellers constantly update their tools to slip past new rules and restrictions. — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026 San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has warned the city could face tens of millions of dollars in losses if the restrictions are allowed to stand. — Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 6 July 2026 And what doctors say after the federal government proposes looser restrictions on testosterone. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for restriction

Word History

Etymology

Middle English restriccioun, from Anglo-French restriction, from Late Latin restriction-, restrictio, from Latin restringere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of restriction was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing restriction

Rhymes for restriction

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Browse Nearby Words

restricted data
restriction
restrictionary
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Cite this Entry

“Restriction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restriction. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

restriction

noun
re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən How to pronounce restriction (audio)
1
: something (as a law or rule) that restricts
2
: an act of restricting : the condition of being restricted

Medical Definition

restriction

noun
re·​stric·​tion ri-ˈstrik-shən How to pronounce restriction (audio)
often attributive
: the breaking of double-stranded DNA into fragments by restriction enzymes
restriction sites

Legal Definition

restriction

noun
re·​stric·​tion
1
: something that restricts: as
a
: a regulation that restricts or restrains
b
: a limitation on the use or enjoyment of property or a facility
2
a
: an act of restricting
b
: the state of being restricted

More from Merriam-Webster on restriction

Nglish: Translation of restriction for Spanish Speakers

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