restrict

[ri-strikt] / rɪˈstrɪkt /

VERB

confine, limit situation or ability to participate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

curb decrease define diminish hamper impede inhibit limit narrow reduce regulate restrain shorten

STRONG

bind bound chain check circumscribe constrict contain contract cramp delimit delimitate demarcate encircle enclose inclose moderate modify qualify shrink surround temper tether tie

WEAK

bottle up come down on cool down demark hang up hem in hold back hold down keep within bounds keep within limits pin down prelimit put away put on ice send up shut in

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid allow assist develop encourage enlarge expand extend free grow help increase lengthen raise

STRONG

let go liberate loose loosen open permit release stretch unbind unfasten unloose untie

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“The market’s not working the way it should. … These major producers have really worked to restrict and limit access to any competitors to get into the market.”

From Salon • May 15, 2026

And the following year, the Supreme Court unanimously rejected an effort to restrict access to the drug.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

The EU could present new rules this summer to restrict minors’ social media use, said Ursula von der Leyen.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

Section 122 grants that temporary permission whenever fundamental international payments problems require “special import measures to restrict imports to deal with large and serious United States balance-of-payments deficits.”

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

I don’t see why I should have to restrict myself, lots of people don’t.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

Vocabulary lists containing restrict

Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items

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List 9

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"Too Young to Drive?" and "Rules of the Road"

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