constraint

noun

con·​straint kən-ˈstrānt How to pronounce constraint (audio)
Synonyms of constraintnext
1
a
: the act of constraining
b
: the state of being checked, restricted, or compelled to avoid or perform some action
… the constraint and monotony of a monastic life …— Matthew Arnold
a life of invalidism and constraint
c
: a constraining condition, agency, or force : check
put legal constraints on the board's activities
Budget constraints have forced me to revise my travel plans.
2
a
: repression of one's own feelings, behavior, or actions
emotional constraint
b
: a sense of being constrained : embarrassment
" … a constraint between us as if we were strangers … "— John P. Marquand

Synonyms

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Examples of constraint in a Sentence

Lack of funding has been a major constraint on the building's design. They demand freedom from constraint. They refuse to work under constraint any longer.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Why Unified Decision-Making Is Critical The constraints of specialized cybersecurity teams underscore businesses' need to have a holistic view of cybersecurity signals and coordinate actions across their cybersecurity functions. — Ambuj Kumar, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 Efficient Resource Allocation-by utilizing smart city technologies, the city can track and allocate resources effectively, optimize service delivery,and streamline government operations to meet these budget constraints. — Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025 The company generates revenue from the utilization of its charging network and taps into other incentive programs offered by state governments and utility companies, whose programs do not include the same geographic constraints as NEVI. — Bob Woods, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025 The act, which expired in 1952, allowed more than 350,000 European refugees displaced by World War II to enter the U.S. within the constraints of an existing quota system that defined how many refugees the country would admit each year, and from which countries. — Tazreena Sajjad, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for constraint

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French constrainte, from constraindre — see constrain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of constraint was in the 15th century

Rhymes for constraint

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Browse Nearby Words

constraint
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Cite this Entry

“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constraint. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

constraint

noun
con·​straint kən-ˈstrānt How to pronounce constraint (audio)
1
: the act of constraining : the state of being constrained
2
: something that constrains : check
3
: a holding back of one's feelings, actions, or behavior

More from Merriam-Webster on constraint

Nglish: Translation of constraint for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about constraint

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