restrictions

plural of restriction
1
as in constraints
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in limitations
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 restrictions Earlier this month, China significantly tightened its restrictions on rare earth elements, which make up a key input in semiconductors found in an array of products from cars to home appliances. Max Zahn, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2025 Millions rely on them to bypass geographic restrictions, protect sensitive communications or simply browse more securely. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025 In September, the Kansas City Council loosened those restrictions for the possibility of a 275-foot tall tower on the former Nordstrom’s site. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025 Professors must rework lectures, assignments and tests to adhere to a prison's restrictions. Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025 Loosening restrictions Chinese work visas generally come with strict, complex requirements and allow limited stays for a small group of high-end applicants who are sponsored by employers. Peter Guo, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025 The new rare-earths restrictions can be deployed not only against the United States, but against any country that dares to oppose Xi’s will. Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025 Two downsides might be aircraft noise and exhaust fumes, and zoning restrictions can limit new development or the expansion of a home. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025 That appetite is driving a wave of cafe and restaurant openings, as young Saudis with higher disposable incomes and fewer social restrictions flock to public spaces where gender mixing was prohibited just five years ago. Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrictions
Noun
  • The models struggled with spatial reasoning, and some showed a lack of awareness of their own constraints—including one model that repeatedly piloted itself down a flight of stairs.
    Billy Perrigo, Time, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Often, those constraints are shed with the thought that populism will become a larger factor in what films are nominated.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • During that time, Ashley has said he's been working on a policy that is both strong and permits access to the courthouse complex but has acknowledged the limitations of what is legally permissible.
    Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Configuring a new type of carrier from scratch may have led to the limitations.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Restrictions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrictions. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on restrictions

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!