CONSTRAINT Synonyms: 107 Similar and Opposite Words

constraint

noun

kən-ˈstrānt

Definition of constraint

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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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 These include monetary policy, supply constraints, and investor psychology, all of which can play a significant role in short-term price movements. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 30 June 2026 How supply chains are slowing defense production S&P Global Ratings found the same constraint. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 1 July 2026 Her colleague Maria Amato adds a harder constraint — the most effective leadership development happens on the job, inside the relationships management layers exist to create. — Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for constraint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for constraint

Noun

Under an existing state appropriations restraint, also known as the Gann Limit, lawmakers cannot spend more than an amount determined by a formula that takes annual tax proceeds, changes to the population and cost of living into consideration.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
For 70 minutes, Paraguay had played with corseted restraint, frustrating France with organisation, concentration and no little gamesmanship.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

Her remarks come amid mounting allegations that military restrictions slowed aid deliveries and prevented civilians—and in some cases rescue crews—from getting to critical areas during the early phase of the emergency.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Davidson is one of several parents who are a part of a local movement to advocate for more regulation and restrictions on using technology in classrooms.

— Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

Definition of restriction

Noun

These episodes have been triggered by intense heat domes — stubborn areas of high pressure that lock hot air in place — and are clearly supercharged by global warming, experts say.

— Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Even as the communist country proposes reforms, the United States continues a pressure campaign, ramping up economic sanctions and maintaining an oil embargo that has plunged much of the island into darkness.

— Rick Jervis, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Definition of pressure

Noun

Last fall, Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island became the first in the country to launch an in person, three-year bachelor’s degree in specific disciplines.

— Editorial, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026
In Aries, the taskmaster planet brings maturity and discipline to a Fire sign associated with independence, impulse and passion.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Definition of discipline

Noun

There won't be any ticket limitations per customer, and parking will be free.

— Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 30 June 2026
The researchers addressed that limitation by increasing the surface area of the carbon electrode and loading it with vanadium oxide, a material that can store a large amount of energy.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026

Definition of limitation

Noun

Anderson Daniel Salcedo Lozano, 22, grew up amid the chaos of the Maduro years, which were marked by long lines for bread and medicine, rising infant mortality, spiraling inflation and the violent repression of protests.

— Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
In Venezuela, where confidence in institutions had already eroded after years of economic collapse and political repression, the earthquake may be accelerating that process.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026

Definition of repression

Noun

Put inhibitions aside to experience the latest episode of Doc Talk, hosted by John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, Shirley), and Matt Carey, Deadline’s senior documentary editor.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 June 2026
Darkness removes that inhibition and allows the pineal gland to release melatonin.

— Sally Ibrahim, The Conversation, 23 June 2026

Definition of inhibition

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constrains

constraint

constraints

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“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constraint. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of constraint

noun

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