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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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 Irish oak is rarely used to age whiskey because there’s just not a whole lot of it, and there are legal restrictions on how much can be harvested. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2026 But the greatest restrictions occurred in rehabilitation, whether at home or in a facility, where the Advantage programs were the most restrictive. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026 Supporters say the change will help local station groups compete against streaming, digital media and other platforms that have no ownership restrictions. Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026 That’s one reason airports such as New York’s LaGuardia and Washington’s Reagan National can be more likely to face takeoff restrictions or weight limits during very hot weather. Rio Yamat, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restriction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restriction
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
Noun
  • Meanwhile, teaching assistants were eventually eliminated due to budget constraints.
    Joshua Hong, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Focus Is About More Than Capital Industrial strategy is often discussed in financial terms, but money is only one constraint.
    Alex Krutz, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Restriction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restriction. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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