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 Access to electricity in rural areas is often constrained by underdeveloped transmission networks. —CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025 There is no collective leadership constraining the Kremlin. —Celeste A. Wallander, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025 This national-first mindset sets the company apart in a field where most players remain regional and brand-constrained. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025 What is at stake is not just trade policy but the very principle that law constrains power. —Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 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
  • Yet these productions are increasingly designed around an ethos of visual-over-depth that compels us to immediately document and post each scene.
    — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • One way lawsuits can generate this pressure is through the discovery process, which compels companies to turn over internal documents, and could shed insight into what executives knew about safety risks or marketing harms.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2025
Definition of compel
Verb
  • Your liver also plays the very sweet role of regulating your blood sugar levels by releasing glucose and storing glycogen when appropriate.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Among its 14 plant oils are argan kernel and rice bran, which regulate sebum production and loosen dead skin cells, respectively—and, together, leave your pores looking significantly smaller and your skin significantly smoother.
    — Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of regulate
Verb
  • Investigators allege that Hernandez coerced at least five minors into participating in the production of child pornography on at least seven occasions, consistent with the seven charges.
    — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Never use someone’s dream to coerce them into a relationship.
    — J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of coerce
Verb
  • This report contains results from surveys and population estimation methods conducted by Fish and Wildlife, Canadian Wildlife Service and numerous state and provincial partners.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
  • And while hair perfumes are typically less concentrated and contain less alcohol (to prevent dryness), our testers appreciated that the scent lingers all day long.
    — Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of contain
Verb
  • The Kuomintang, or KMT, also known as the Nationalist Party of China, is the party formerly led by Chiang Kai-shek that ruled the entirety of the Republic of China before Mao Zedong’s communist military forced it to flee to Taiwan.
    — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The show also featured a number of first-time nominees and first-time winners like Tramell Tillman, Jeff Hiller, Hannah Einbinder, and Owen Cooper, all of whom were been forced to amend their moment in the spotlight to adhere to the joke.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of force
Verb
  • Democrats are doing fairly well in the generic congressional ballot, which tests which party voters prefer to control Congress.
    — W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The team has now built the first transistor-like switch that controls exciton flow.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of control
Verb
  • The following year, legislation was passed formally designating these problems as matters of national concern and obligating local governments to implement countermeasures.
    — Gil Press, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Torre reports that Leonard was apparently not obligated to perform actions for payment and that the endorsement deal would end if Leonard was traded.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of obligate
Verb
  • The woman and the infant, who wasn’t restrained, were thrown from the vehicle.
    — Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The malnourished woman ran to a neighbor’s house and said she had been restrained in the man’s basement.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 2025.

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