constrain

verb

kən-ˈstrān How to pronounce constrain (audio)
Definition of constrainnext
1
as in to compel
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure constrained by conscience to tell only the truth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 Addressing those critical questions is a conundrum in Lake Tahoe, where on summer days evacuation routes are already constrained by people parking on roadsides. —Calmatters, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025 Housing providers lose rental income, potential residents remain without homes and the overall housing supply is artificially constrained, all of which undercuts affordability. —Miranda Darden-Willems, Baltimore Sun, 20 Mar. 2025 The United States and its allies, meanwhile, have increasingly used financial sanctions as tools to constrain adversaries. —Monica Duffy Toft, Foreign Affairs, 13 Mar. 2025 Two dessert dishes included a banana leaf flan drizzled in sesame caramel and a violet hibiscus meringue that sparked a tropical sensation yet casually constrained thanks to a touch of vanilla. —Andrew Watman, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for constrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrain
  1. compel
  2. regulate
  3. coerce
  4. contain
  5. force
  6. control
  7. obligate
  8. restrain
Verb
  • To compel Brand to return home, the UK government’s Home Office would need to make an extradition request to U.S. authorities.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The tariffs could also compel retailers to rethink their product offerings.
    — Phil Lempert, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of compel
Verb
  • Aside from crime, the advisory spotlights the dangers around jet skiing and boating in the Bahamas, noting that the boating industry is not well regulated and some watercraft are not licensed, which has led to injury and death.
    — Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The Mood-Cognition Feedback Loop Beyond cognition, caffeine can also regulate mood.
    — Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of regulate
Verb
  • The settlement also adds that Google will not interfere with, restrain or coerce workers in the exercise of their rights.
    — Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • If a sitting or former president can successfully coerce law firms into submission by threatening financial ruin, what happens to the idea of legal independence?
    — Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of coerce
Verb
  • The Keystone oil pipeline was shut down Tuesday morning following a rupture in North Dakota, with the resulting spill contained to an agricultural field near Fort Ransom.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The underlying challenge the editorial was hinting at was how any reform can be accomplished through governance mechanisms to contain growth which also respects some measure of individual choice for consumption.
    — Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of contain
Verb
  • However, no amount of care or good intentions can prevent the sudden demolition of the brothers’ home, courtesy of a vague order from the IDF — for which the family is even forced to pay.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Due to the alligator's aggressive behavior, Department of Natural Resources contractors were forced to euthanize the reptile and remove it from the area.
    — Doc Louallen, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of force
Verb
  • They’re more geared toward controlling it, with uniform requirements that do more to hinder progress than protect the marketplace.
    — Mary Anna Mancuso, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
  • In the second half, with a solid lead, the Wolverines continued to control the tempo, and their defense held strong, shutting out the Mustangs.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of control
Verb
  • You are not obligated to have a conversation with the police.
    — Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The district is not obligated to use the full amount.
    — Phil Rockrohr, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of obligate
Verb
  • Hansi Flick was seen restraining the Brazilian, who headed down the tunnel clearly enraged.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The state’s strongest piece of evidence against Pratt was his DNA found on a roll of duct tape that was used to restrain the victims.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of restrain

Browse Nearby Words

constitutive
constrain
constrained
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Cite this Entry

“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrain. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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