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.
Tourism accounts for roughly 7% of local GDP, and traffic restrictions and evacuations caused by the wildfires continue to affect tourism activity. — CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026 Lawyer Alexandros Alexandrou said the court lifted all travel restrictions imposed on his client for a month. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 Those rules – codes, covenants and restrictions, known collectively as CCRs – are often created by developers, who initially control the HOA. — Daniel Kramer, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026 Use the bike lanes (or avoid them) San Sebastián’s center is flat, and many locals prefer getting around on bike over car due to parking restrictions. — Marti Buckley, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 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

See All Rhymes for restriction

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 Aug. 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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