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.

But other regulations are outdated because they constrain economic growth.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

The new results constrain the form of these models and will direct future searches for them.

From Science Daily • May 26, 2026

Conflict and displacement in eastern Congo severely constrain efforts to contain the outbreak, which has spread to Uganda.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

Washington's moves to constrain China's tech sector are another longstanding concern for Beijing, as the two countries race to dominate the global artificial intelligence market.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

And the lack of safety cannot help but constrain your sense of the galaxy.

From "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates

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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