constraint
noun
con·straint
kən-ˈstrānt 
1
a
: the act of constraining
b
: the state of being checked, restricted, or compelled to avoid or perform some action
… the constraint and monotony of a monastic life …—
Matthew Arnold
Matthew Arnolda life of invalidism and constraint
c
: a constraining condition, agency, or force : check
put legal constraints on the board's activities
Budget constraints have forced me to revise my travel plans.
2
a
: repression of one's own feelings, behavior, or actions
emotional constraint
b
: a sense of being constrained : embarrassment
" … a constraint between us as if we were strangers … "—John P. Marquand
John P. MarquandExamples of constraint in a Sentence
Lack of funding has been a major constraint on the building's design.
They demand freedom from constraint.
They refuse to work under constraint any longer.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lynch’s installment, Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood, is executive produced by Angela Bassett and Academy Award winner Halle Berry, and highlights Black women who have led films while navigating a different set of expectations, constraints, and pressures.
—Essence, 9 Apr. 2025
For conservatives who genuinely care about limiting executive power and enforcing constitutional constraints, these tariffs present a moment of truth.
—Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Their reasons ranged from time constraints to the fear of chemically searing my hair in the process.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 4 Apr. 2025
An uncertain future The Kennedy Center staff has attempted to work within the constraints of a philanthropy model to reach a broad audience and challenge high/middle/low distinctions.
—Joanna Dee Das, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
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Essence, 9 Apr. 2025
For conservatives who genuinely care about limiting executive power and enforcing constitutional constraints, these tariffs present a moment of truth.
—Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Their reasons ranged from time constraints to the fear of chemically searing my hair in the process.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 4 Apr. 2025
An uncertain future The Kennedy Center staff has attempted to work within the constraints of a philanthropy model to reach a broad audience and challenge high/middle/low distinctions.
—Joanna Dee Das, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Cite this Entry
“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constraint. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
constraint
noun
con·straint
kən-ˈstrānt
1
: the act of constraining : the state of being constrained
2
: something that constrains : check
3
: a holding back of one's feelings, actions, or behavior
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