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

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

To make the system less dysfunctional, California could restrict localities from blocking transit, just like it did with housing, Schank said, on the basis it is a critical need.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

It is also likely to ease rules that usually restrict a practice known as "tankering".

From BBC • May 3, 2026

She had to bring Clara with her on marketing days, but though her stepsister now controlled the purse, she did little else to restrict her.

From "Ash" by Malinda Lo

Vocabulary lists containing restrict

Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

List 9

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!