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
The bloody suppression of the January 2026 protests, the constraints imposed by wartime conditions and the increasing marginalization of elective institutions have all contributed to weakening the presidency.
—Roxane Razavi, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
For example, during periods of high retail demand or supply constraints, buyers may be willing to pay significantly more than spot for certain silver coins or small-denomination bars.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Some of these clouds could be thick enough to trigger launch constraints.
—Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
With production pipelines in some regions backlogged due to capacity constraints, AI automation tools are enabling faster asset and scene creation.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for constraint
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Roxane Razavi, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
For example, during periods of high retail demand or supply constraints, buyers may be willing to pay significantly more than spot for certain silver coins or small-denomination bars.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Some of these clouds could be thick enough to trigger launch constraints.
—Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
With production pipelines in some regions backlogged due to capacity constraints, AI automation tools are enabling faster asset and scene creation.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for constraint
Cite this Entry
“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constraint. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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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