1
as in compels
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
constrained by conscience to tell only the truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in regulates
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of constrains
In this domain, AI agents have the potential to alleviate an increasingly acute shortage of engineering talent that constrains product development, customization, and innovation.
—
Paul Eremenko, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026
Modern economies run on energy, yet the United States increasingly constrains supply through permitting delays.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 25 Dec. 2025
Its outcome could define how far immigration officers may go in workplaces across the country, shaping protections for millions of Americans employed in industries with large immigrant labor forces and testing whether the Fourth Amendment meaningfully constrains interior enforcement.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Viral outrage, administrative investigations and threats to cut state or federal funding to schools can all contribute to an intensifying climate of fear of retribution that constrains educators’ ability to teach freely.
—Laura Gail Miller, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2025
Such has been the patient sufferance of the women under this government, and such is now the necessity which constrains them to demand the equal station to which they are entitled.
—Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025
For what constrains both young men is not their actual jobs or income, but their status.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2025
The Cultural Dimension Culture amplifies or constrains collaboration.
—Thomas Lim, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The law also constrains practices that had allowed towing companies to start the sales process for some vehicles after 15 days.
—Dave Altimari, ProPublica, 9 Sep. 2025
Paul Eremenko, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026
Modern economies run on energy, yet the United States increasingly constrains supply through permitting delays.
—Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 25 Dec. 2025
Its outcome could define how far immigration officers may go in workplaces across the country, shaping protections for millions of Americans employed in industries with large immigrant labor forces and testing whether the Fourth Amendment meaningfully constrains interior enforcement.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Viral outrage, administrative investigations and threats to cut state or federal funding to schools can all contribute to an intensifying climate of fear of retribution that constrains educators’ ability to teach freely.
—Laura Gail Miller, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2025
Such has been the patient sufferance of the women under this government, and such is now the necessity which constrains them to demand the equal station to which they are entitled.
—Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025
For what constrains both young men is not their actual jobs or income, but their status.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2025
The Cultural Dimension Culture amplifies or constrains collaboration.
—Thomas Lim, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The law also constrains practices that had allowed towing companies to start the sales process for some vehicles after 15 days.
—Dave Altimari, ProPublica, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrains
Verb
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This same self-centeredness compels his girlfriend (Olivia Thirlby) to move out of their modest apartment without warning.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
26 Jan. 2026
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North Carolina requires vaccines without enforcement State law compels North Carolina school principals to require that kindergartners get seven vaccinations within 30 days of the start of the school year.—
Caitlin McGlade,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Here’s a helpful primer about what hormones do, how your body regulates them, and tips for supporting your hormone health in ways that actually work.—
Rachel Reiff Ellis,
SELF,
23 Jan. 2026
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The old guard is crumbling, as the NCAA no longer regulates the economic exchange of value between schools and their players—not to mention the outside intervention of third-party interests.—
Dr. Marcus Collins,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Sooners have made three of their four shots from behind the arc, including one from Nijel Pack that forces a Sean Miller timeout.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
31 Jan. 2026
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This also forces soldiers wearing the suits to perform exaggerated, awkward movements to stay on their feet.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Use Paint to Refresh Cracked Wood Start by cleaning the wood with hot, soapy water that contains a degreasing agent.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
11 Jan. 2026
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DeFi advocates also want to ensure the market structure bill contains language allowing individuals to self-custody their crypto.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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However, the rotation of this filament clearly dominates how the galaxies within it spin, perhaps by funneling hydrogen gas along the dark-matter filament and onto the galaxies in a way that coerces their spin while providing further fuel for star formation.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
4 Dec. 2025
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Haunted by the suspicious death of his ailing mother, Ali, a university professor, coerces his enigmatic gardener to execute a cold-blooded act of vengeance.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
14 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The state Department of Education controls public education, under the leadership of the governor and the Legislature.—
SHELLEY SMITH SPECIAL TO THE DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
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The situation is not all that different from that along the Mississippi, Missouri or Tennessee rivers, where a series of dams controls water flow.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Hayley obliges, perhaps too enthusiastically, prompting Yasmin to get involved in the action herself so as not to be outdone in the endless game of power play.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
26 Jan. 2026
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That’s not the case, though, with preferred shares—and Strategy has issued plenty of these as well, which obliges it to pay regular dividends to shareholders.—
Jeff John Roberts,
Fortune,
3 Dec. 2025
Verb
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According to projections made at the December meeting, that’s only about half a percentage point from the committee consensus on the neutral rate, or one that neither supports nor restrains growth.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
5 Jan. 2026
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There are also possible free speech claims if the law restrains NIL opportunities and interferes with First Amendment freedom of expression.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constrains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrains. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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