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 For Golann, who typically works within the financial constraints of an independent practice, the experience offered a different understanding of creative possibility. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 Over time, the technology function becomes the constraint on organizational improvement. — Maria Raymond, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 Minneapolis Public Schools also faces budget constraints, and district leaders pointed to the fact that schools receive funding based on enrollment. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 Each has its own set of requirements and constraints, not only for the chip and its position inside the phone's chassis, but also for effective heat management. — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for constraint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for constraint

Noun

Having dressed numerous actresses throughout her career, Chiuri sees a shift in red carpet culture toward individualized creations and, more recently, greater restraint.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
In an era when high-performance vehicles often grow larger, heavier, and more complex with each successive generation, part of the Carrera T’s appeal lies in its restraint.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

The resulting restrictions can, in turn, constrain power generation and hamper economic growth.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Lamy, now with the Jacques Delors Institute, was one of the authors of a recent policy paper that called for restrictions on Chinese exports using a quota system — an idea that the EU has now embraced.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of restriction

Noun

In retrospect, many Democrats now think that the candidates in 2020 were too willing to bow to pressure with cameras rolling.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Courtney is in school to become a nurse practitioner, which added even more pressure to a home-and-work-life balance.

— Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of pressure

Noun

Today, a fourth discipline has quietly become just as important.

— Tom Wicky, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
But Roger remembers the particular discipline of working on low-budget film productions, when stock and time were precious and rolling the camera was consequential.

— Callum McLennan, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of discipline

Noun

Airscope overcomes this limitation by delivering a large field of view in a design light enough for animals to wear freely.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
Meta insisted its recent operational incidents come from technical limitations rather than any partiality.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of limitation

Noun

The interior drew its own grim commentary—a few guests expressed feeling a sudden compulsion to jump from the top of the spiral ramp to their death.

— Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
Under state law, lack of consent generally must be shown through forcible compulsion or a clear expression of nonconsent.

— Ilana Turko, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of compulsion

Noun

The future of Indian democracy hinges on whether this contest opens up more democratic space or leads to greater repression.

— Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
To play Sebastian, Guitarrica had to immerse himself in the character’s emotional repression, from which music is his only escape.

— Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of repression

Noun

In my experience, the involvement of ketamine or other drugs invariably makes a bad situation worse – complicating consent, impairing judgment and reducing inhibitions.

— Christopher P. Holstege, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026
Many visual motifs emerge, most notably the men in the crowd who shed any inhibitions to cry, dance, and belt the songs at the top of their lungs.

— Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of constraint

noun

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