RESTRICT Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'restrict' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of restrict are circumscribe , confine , and limit . While all these words mean "to set bounds for," restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary. // laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

Q: When might 'circumscribe' be a better fit than 'restrict'?

The words circumscribe and restrict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries. // the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

Q: When can 'confine' be used instead of 'restrict'?

Although the words confine and restrict have much in common, confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering. // our choices were confined by finances

Q: When would 'limit' be a good substitute for 'restrict'?

In some situations, the words limit and restrict are roughly equivalent. However, limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go. // visits are limited to 30 minutes

restrict

verb

ri-ˈstrikt

Definition of restrict next

as in to limit

to set bounds or an upper limit for will restrict access to the laboratory

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word restrict different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of restrict are circumscribe, confine, and limit. While all these words mean "to set bounds for," restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

When might circumscribe be a better fit than restrict?

The words circumscribe and restrict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

When can confine be used instead of restrict?

Although the words confine and restrict have much in common, confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

When would limit be a good substitute for restrict?

In some situations, the words limit and restrict are roughly equivalent. However, limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

visits are limited to 30 minutes

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 restrict Courts have so far temporarily blocked other similar efforts by this administration to restrict funds. —

CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026 Finally, not all the inappropriate comments are restricted to this newsletter. —

John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026 The administration argued that military force should not be restricted to defense against aggression. —

Gerard F. Powers, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026 El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson shared statements during a news conference on Wednesday morning and on his Instagram page that the FAA should have communicated with the city before making a decision to restrict airspace over El Paso. —

Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for restrict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrict

limit

Verb

Parents can take action to limit their baby’s exposure to ultraprocessing and the additives that come with it, Houlihan said.

— Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Honeycomb’s plan is to use deed restrictions to limit future resale price increases, ensuring that the units remain available as affordable housing for the next 40 years or longer.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 11 Feb. 2026