Synonyms of constraint

constraint

noun

kən-ˈstrānt 

1

as in restraint

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others

in civilized society people do not just say or do whatever they feel like—they exercise some constraint

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restraint
• discipline
• repression
• inhibition
• suppression
• composure
• discretion
• self-control
• reserve
• refrainment
• self-restraint
• continence
• control
• self-command
• possession
• mastery
• willpower
• distance
• self-discipline
• will
• silence
• command
• reticence
• modesty
• self-censorship
• bashfulness
• self-containment
• aloofness
• shyness
• self-denial
• self-mastery
• self-government
• taciturnity
• self-poise
• self-possession
• detachedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incontinence
• disinhibition
• unconstraint
• gratification
• indulgence
• frankness
• candor
• overindulgence
• bluntness
• uninhibitedness
• intemperance
• self-abandonment
• unrestrainedness
• self-indulgence
• immoderacy

2

as in restriction

something that limits one's freedom of action or choice

put legal constraints on the board's activities

Synonyms & Similar Words

• restriction
• limitation
• restraint
• condition
• curb
• stricture
• exception
• circumscription
• prohibition
• check
• stipulation
• fetter
• proviso
• qualification
• reservation
• strings
• ban
• proscription

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• freedom
• latitude

3

as in pressure

the use of power to impose one's will on another

parental constraint can take several different forms, including a denial of the approval that children usually seek from their parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pressure
• compulsion
• coercion
• intimidation
• violence
• duress
• threat
• force
• stress
• fear
• arm-twisting
• strength
• menace
• terror
• sword
• terrorism
• squeeze
• muscle
• bullying
• potency
• strain
• might
• browbeating
• bulldozing
• willfulness
• squeeze play
• self-will
• puissance
• hardheadedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agreement
• approval
• consent
• permission
• reason
• persuasion
• suasion
• convincing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of constraint

Working as a one-woman crew out of necessity creates a uniquely streamlined production process, freed from filmmaking constraints, so Loktev can focus on her subjects. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026

Design your physical space with environmental constraints Your surroundings conspire either for or against you. — Ben Meer, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026

Farmers are also navigating rising input costs, water scarcity, tightening margins, labor constraints, and growing expectations around traceability and compliance. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Solving constraint satisfaction problems exactly can be hard or even impossible. — Quanta Magazine, 7 Oct. 2026