constrain

[kuhn-streyn] / kənˈstreɪn /

VERB

force; restrain

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bind constrict curb hold down inhibit necessitate stifle

STRONG

ban bar bridle chain check coerce compel concuss confine cork deny deprive disallow drive hog-tie immure impel imprison incarcerate intern jail make oblige pressure pressurize urge withhold

WEAK

bottle up cool off hem in hold back hold in keep lid on put half nelson on shotgun

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid allow assist encourage free help loosen release

STRONG

delay discourage dissuade halt indulge leave alone let go liberate permit repress stop

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.

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

From Slate • Apr. 8, 2026

LaGuardia is one of three airports where the FAA already restricts the number of runway slots to constrain capacity, alongside New York’s JFK International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

“On the other hand, for Poland as a net commodity importer, higher energy prices are a negative supply-side shock, which might constrain output and activity.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Doing so demands coordinated action by the international community to constrain the East Asian supply chains feeding their production.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

Few rules constrain the exercise of prosecutorial discretion.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Vocabulary lists containing constrain

Just Mercy

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Excerpt from "The Declaration of Independence"

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Essential English Vocabulary, List 3

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