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 Fame has also started to constrain Altman’s relationship with his son. —Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026 Much of the county’s budget is also constrained by state law. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2026 Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg may have had significant physical limitations in her final months, but her judgment, temperament and wit did not demonstrate the need for her to be constrained by a mandatory retirement age. —Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026 Mendonça was born in 1968, in the early years of a ruthless military dictatorship—a time when cinema, like much else, was harshly constrained. —Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026 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
  • Consumer demand increasingly forms inside cultural ecosystems that compel participation.
    — Christopher Vollmer, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
  • So, both Democrats and Republicans see federal enforcement not as protection but as an occupying force to compel liberals to bow to Republican political goals.
    — Robert Pape, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of compel
Verb
  • One of the major issues was that the federal government did not regulate it, and states and localities operated on different schedules.
    — Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 8 Feb. 2026
  • This nutrient helps regulate your heartbeat and supports healthy muscle function.
    — Zia Sherrell, Health, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of regulate
Verb
  • The intelligence reports warn that 764 and its many offshoots have expanded into a transnational, online network that glorifies violence and tries to coerce people, often minors, to hurt themselves or others.
    — Curt Devine, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Criminals usually target people who have publicly boasted about their crypto winnings, and physically coerce them to give up their Bitcoin key.
    — Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of coerce
Verb
  • Wright, who formerly worked as a detective, said the video contains apparent facial features such as a mustache and that investigators should be able to calculate height, shoe size and brands of clothing.
    — Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Her life’s work was stolen early Monday when thieves swiped a shipping box containing many of her puppets from outside her Beachwood Canyon apartment.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of contain
Verb
  • Beijing’s national security law has transformed Hong Kong, with authorities jailing dozens of dissidents; forcing civil society groups and outspoken media outlets to disband; and neutering the city’s once-raucous political scene.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The defense forced three turnovers, Jason Myers kicked a Super Bowl-record five field goals, and running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 135 yards to earn most valuable player as the Seahawks finished the season with 10 consecutive victories.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of force
Verb
  • And on the other side, artists can really control what the narratives are about them.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The story about a woman, who is considered a cursed bride, and her husband, who pretends to be possessed in an attempt to control her, is the first all-Pakistani feature at the Berlin International Film Festival, which has in the past featured Pakistani co-productions.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of control
Verb
  • Orange County’s agreement with ICE only obligates the county to detain up to 114 people, but the county was housing, on average, 140 inmates a day in January and last week, the count hit 182.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Note, unlike with excursions booked through cruise lines, ships aren't obligated to wait for you if third-party operators run late.
    — Eve Chen, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of obligate
Verb
  • Consumer demand is their, but their spending power is restrained.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 13 Feb. 2026
  • All four were ejected and were joined by coach Charles Lee in the fourth quarter after Lee went on the floor and had to be restrained by Brandon Miller to keep him from really confronting the officials.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2026
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 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on constrain

Nglish: Translation of constrain for Spanish Speakers

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