CONSTRAIN Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

constrain

verb

kən-ˈstrān

Definition of constrain next

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

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 Some warnings have cited Trump’s authoritarian rhetoric, willingness to undermine or malign institutions meant to constrain any president, and a combative style that strives to stretch executive power as far as possible. —

Victor Menaldo, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025 Too little latitude, and the agent’s capabilities are constrained to answering basic questions. —

Mike Walsh, Harvard Business Review, 15 Jan. 2025 Research shows that climate change is heightening the conditions that lead to fire-conducive weather, including drying out vegetation and constraining water supplies. —

Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2025 In a network that's super cheap and easy to extend, that doesn't have to be constrained by geography or existing road networks. —

New Atlas, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for constrain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrain

Verb

The production by British post-punk veteran Nick Launay helps this minimal song compel your attention as the band keeps playing.

— Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 4 Feb. 2025
The tariffs were also meant to compel the countries to take further action to stop undocumented immigrants from entering the U.S. and to narrow their trade surplus.

— Kerry Breen, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2025