constrain

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.

Hiring has slowed over the past few years, but so has growth in the number of people available for work in the U.S., a balance that has helped constrain layoffs and joblessness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

“We do not yet constrain production forecasts as a result of fuel availability, however we consider this a real risk should fuel shortages escalate further,” they say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Some have backed the administration's handling of the conflict, while others -- though uneasy about the lack of congressional oversight -- have stopped short of supporting measures that could constrain military operations.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Getting crosswise with public opinion is sometimes enough to constrain a president.

From Slate • Apr. 8, 2026

Such another small basin of thin gruel as his own was all that he could, with thorough self-approbation, recommend; though he might constrain himself, while the ladies were comfortably clearing the nicer things, to say:

From "Emma" by Jane Austen