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.

But Mann and Kani are also careful not to restrict the play to their realities, knowing that to feel true today, the story needs room to breathe.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Iran had already taken steps to restrict access to the strait in recent weeks, disrupting maritime traffic and raising global economic concerns.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

Staff had set in motion new rule-making to restrict U.S. sales of those products before they were put on hold and office leadership dismissed, according to officials familiar with the process.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Greece has announced plans to ban access to social media for under-15s, becoming the latest European country to restrict children's exposure to online platforms.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 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

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List 9

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

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