CONSTRAIN Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'constrain' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of constrain are coerce , compel , force , and oblige . While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice. // constrained by conscience

Q: When could 'coerce' be used to replace 'constrain'?

Although the words coerce and constrain have much in common, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure. // coerced into signing over the rights

Q: When would 'compel' be a good substitute for 'constrain'?

The meanings of compel and constrain largely overlap; however, compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force. // compelled to admit my mistake

Q: Where would 'force' be a reasonable alternative to 'constrain'?

While the synonyms force and constrain are close in meaning, force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress. // forced to flee for their lives

Q: When is 'oblige' a more appropriate choice than 'constrain'?

In some situations, the words oblige and constrain are roughly equivalent. However, oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty. // felt obliged to go

constrain

verb

kən-ˈstrān

Definition of constrain

as in to compel

to cause (a person) to give in to pressure constrained by conscience to tell only the truth

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to regulate

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) constrained his anger at the needless interruption

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word constrain different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of constrain are coerce, compel, force, and oblige. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

When could coerce be used to replace constrain?

Although the words coerce and constrain have much in common, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.

coerced into signing over the rights

When would compel be a good substitute for constrain?

The meanings of compel and constrain largely overlap; however, compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.

compelled to admit my mistake

Where would force be a reasonable alternative to constrain?

While the synonyms force and constrain are close in meaning, force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress.

forced to flee for their lives

When is oblige a more appropriate choice than constrain?

In some situations, the words oblige and constrain are roughly equivalent. However, oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty.

felt obliged to go

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 constrain Tregenza’s imagistic fury doesn’t come at the expense of drama; his choreography is never reduced to a stunt, and the cast never appear constrained by the demands of timing and blocking. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026 But African trade analysts say the pact’s impact remains constrained by several structural and operational challenges. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 10 Aug. 2026 With fires now happening everywhere all at once, nations will be constrained in their ability to come to each other’s aid by dispatching firefighters and equipment. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 When that ability gets constrained, when communication feels censored, when speed is prized over rigor, when ambiguity gets exploited instead of clarified, the meaning of the work itself starts to erode. — Arkansas Online, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for constrain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrain

Verb

Ultimately, if the state steps in with loans, the district would be compelled to cede day-to-day management to an outside caretaker, reducing the district’s board and administration to bystanders.

— Dan Walters, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
For her sophomore film, de Araújo remains compelled to tell unnerving stories that are ripped from real-life events.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of compel

Verb

According to police sources, witnesses said two men threw two bottles containing an unknown substance into the deli.

— Allen Devlin, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
The proposal is for one building that would contain three studio apartment homes, 35 one-bedroom apartment homes, and 36 two bedroom apartment homes.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of contain

Verb

Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, was forced to roll out a second artificial surface after the World Cup because its first attempt didn’t pass an independent lab test as required by the NFL and NFLPA.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
The champion faced a challenging opponent, as Garry forced him to work hard for seven takedowns and inflicted some facial damage.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of force

Verb

The Ravens did that, committing only three penalties for 25 yards (the Eagles had 10 for 96), limiting their mistakes and controlling the line of scrimmage.

— Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Sprays to control Asian psyllids are needed, along with minor nutrient and traditional fertilizer applications.

— Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of control

Verb

Officials responded by stating that homeowners can use a city website to prove the property is a primary residence, and that letters were sent to taxpayers who may be obligated to pay the pied-à-terre.

— Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Every ship is obligated to respond to a distress call under maritime law unless doing so would put their own ship at risk.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of obligate

Verb

China can link humanitarian assistance, openness to border trade, energy supplies, and the provision of infrastructure to North Korea’s willingness to restrain its military threats.

— ZHENG JIYONG, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026
Cunningham had to be restrained following the play and appeared to show her teammates that her mouth was bleeding.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of restrain

Browse Nearby Words

constitutive

constrain

constrained

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrain. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of constrain

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on constrain

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

oxymoron

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes