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

Examples 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 What was once a network constrained by legacy institutions—including card companies—can now overcome its last-mile problem, delivering significantly more value to merchants and consumers. —Christian Catalini, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Levels on the Mississippi River are so low that shipping loads must be constrained, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. —Mary Gilbert, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024 But federal oversight has been limited, constrained by priorities, authority, and by a lack of resources. —Jonquilyn Hill, Vox, 5 Nov. 2024 In the late 1970s, oil supply was constrained by OPEC and war. —Linsey Miller, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 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
  • The Israeli government insists that military force compelled those concessions—a claim Spencer echoes.
    John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
  • Rebecca Bakker, a registered nursing professor who lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan, had already decided against voting for Trump but has not felt compelled yet towards Harris or any third-party candidates.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2024
Definition of compel
Verb
  • The issue of whether and how the FCC should regulate internet providers’ carriage of different sites, services, and apps did not come up in the 2024 campaign, but Republicans have consistently opposed net-neutrality regulations.
    Rob Pegoraro, PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024
  • These naturally occurring hormones play crucial roles in regulating insulin, appetite and metabolism.
    Jackie Snow, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Definition of regulate
Verb
  • The answer is very simple: no buyer of Chrome would pay full price assuming a sale of it by Google in light of market knowledge that the sale would be coerced.
    John Tamny, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Wood wrote that he was coerced into enticing members of Malcolm X's security team to commit crimes so they could be arrested days before the assassination.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Definition of coerce
Verb
  • Larger starter kits frequently contain parts for related projects, and buying one can often be easier than compiling an extensive shopping list.
    Bob Beacham, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The mines are contained in a $275 million package of new military assistance announced by the Biden administration Wednesday.
    Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports, arkansasonline.com, 21 Nov. 2024
Definition of contain
Verb
  • Liz is forced to reexamine her life as the boys’ friendship unravels in a fierce competition for her affection.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Thousands more are stuck in years-long asylum cases, living in limbo and knowing a single decision could force them to leave at any moment.
    Basel Touchan, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
Definition of force
Verb
  • If confirmed, Kennedy will control the world’s largest public health agency, and its $1.7 trillion budget.
    Aleccia Washington, Twin Cities, 15 Nov. 2024
  • These screens were no longer just used for controlling the AC and the radio.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
Definition of control
Verb
  • After all, studios aren’t legally obligated to share box office information.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Many companies are obligated to report on their environmental footprint as part of their corporate governance program, whether to meet regulatory requirements or voluntary sustainability targets.
    Eric Miquelon, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Definition of obligate
Verb
  • To avoid being dragged into yet more conflict in the Middle East, the United States must work to restrain further Israeli action and stabilize the balance of power.
    Carrie A. Lee, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024
  • While Biden's policies and weapons provisions have consistently supported Israel, his relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has at times been strained, including by some efforts to restrain Israel or nudge the country toward compliance with international law.
    Freddie Clayton, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024
Definition of restrain

Thesaurus Entries Near constrain

constitutive

constrain

constrained

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrain. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on constrain

Nglish: Translation of constrain for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of constrain for Arabic Speakers

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