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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Designers can select a mission constraint or habitat feature and follow its potential effects on resources, relationships, and emotions. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026 The cases illustrate the constraints facing the Lula administration. — ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026 That architectural constraint has become a recurring theme in discussions about government technology readiness. — William Jones, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 About 17% of the population could not be surveyed due to security and operational constraints. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for constraint

Recent Examples of Synonyms for constraint

Noun

But what ultimately saves the film is Hathaway's remarkable restraint in conveying Kym's deep pain and remorse over an unimaginable family tragedy.

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
The employees weren’t wearing hair restraints, some dry foods weren’t labeled and there was a flea infestation underneath the mop sink.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

And why should airport baggage restrictions get in the way of a good travel look?

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
New York state requires riders of all forms of e-bikes to be at least 16, and New York City imposes additional restrictions, including a 15 mph (24 kph) speed limit.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of restriction

Noun

The dart to Odunze came with Williams flushing to his right away from pressure in the end zone and then putting a heater on his receiver, who had created separation against Jaylon Johnson.

— Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Etzel said the executive order is also intended to put pressure on states that establish vaccine requirements for schools, while potentially setting up additional legal challenges over the federal government’s authority to influence vaccine policy.

— Adisa Hargett-Robinson, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of pressure

Noun

That could address a major limitation facing today’s AI agents.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026
As played by Kate and Rooney Mara, in total sync, the driven, single-minded Jean and Joan become classic Herzogian outsiders, like Kaspar Hauser or Fitzcarraldo, daring to transcend the limitations of everyday living and language.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of limitation

Noun

Which is exactly why leaders should be suspicious of their own streaks, especially the ones that started out fun and are creeping toward compulsion.

— Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Trying to understand that inner compulsion — not to name names — became the starting point.

— John Bleasdale, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of compulsion

Noun

Decades of political repression followed, including the demolition of some Buddhist monasteries and the suppression of all forms of political or cultural expression outside Communist Party control.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Those governments have eroded the prospects of peace with the Palestinians through creeping annexation and systematic repression in the West Bank.

— Michael Fuchs, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of repression

Noun

As art and its creators have shed their inhibitions in this post-Sadean world, politicians and cultural commentators have reliably lined up to condemn this total freedom of expression as being dangerous to society.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of inhibition

Browse Nearby Words

constrains

constraint

constraints

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of constraint

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on constraint

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