Definition of restrictionnext
1
as in limitation
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice the logging company decided to relocate to another state where there would be fewer restrictions on its operations

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2
as in constraint
the act or practice of keeping something (as an activity) within certain boundaries the restriction of surfing to the southern end of the beach rankled some surfers

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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 restriction All six suspects have been released from prison on bail but remain under intense police surveillance and restriction of movement as the investigation is ongoing. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026 Our aim was to make an eerie, complex and increasingly compelling narrative podcast with zero creative restrictions. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 According to The Washington Post, federal appeals courts have issued conflicting rulings on a federal restriction on home distilling dating back to 1868. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026 These policies should guide employees on confidentiality, data input restrictions, decision-making boundaries and accountability. — Jennifer C. Wolfe, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restriction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restriction
Noun
  • Joshi and other doctors are calling for additional training to help surgeons understand how AI alters facial images, its anatomical limitations and its potential psychological effects on patients.
    — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The new definition, developed by an international panel of medical experts convened by the medical journal The Lancet, requires evidence of both excess body fat and related health problems or limitations in daily activities.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Some packs retain enough energy storage potential to serve stationary applications, where weight and packaging constraints matter less.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
  • ProteinMPNN selects each amino acid based on a series of constraints.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Restriction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restriction. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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