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.

“Such dislike, however, cannot justify using regulatory processes to restrict those views. The government does not get to decide ‘what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion.’”

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

At least seven states ban the use of drones for hunting and a handful restrict the use of transmitting trail cameras during hunting season.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

The AI can then place Teen Account protections onto those accounts, which are default safety setting for users that restrict messaging and other activities on the platforms.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

Police forces in England and Wales can restrict protests in certain circumstances, including by stipulating a particular route or saying when it must end.

From BBC • May 1, 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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