1
as in to compel
to cause (a person) to give in to pressure
constrained by conscience to tell only the truth
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to regulate
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
constrained his anger at the needless interruption
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of constrain
Progress in drug discovery and genetic research has been constrained by trial-and-error methods that are extremely cost-intensive.
—
Steven Dudash, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
The National Business Daily, a Chinese state-run newspaper, said the listing would provide a necessary capital boost for CATL’s international expansion as it has been constrained by limited foreign currency reserves and rising geopolitical risks.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
Although cargo volumes along this route have risen, they have been constrained by limited infrastructure and bottlenecks and still constitute just three to five percent of total Eurasian trade.
—Zaur Shiriyev, Foreign Affairs, 26 May 2025
The bill further constrains future federal administrations' ability to expand or adjust exemption criteria or benefit levels.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for constrain
Steven Dudash, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
The National Business Daily, a Chinese state-run newspaper, said the listing would provide a necessary capital boost for CATL’s international expansion as it has been constrained by limited foreign currency reserves and rising geopolitical risks.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
Although cargo volumes along this route have risen, they have been constrained by limited infrastructure and bottlenecks and still constitute just three to five percent of total Eurasian trade.
—Zaur Shiriyev, Foreign Affairs, 26 May 2025
The bill further constrains future federal administrations' ability to expand or adjust exemption criteria or benefit levels.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for constrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrain
Verb
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In a conversation with Harvard Business School, Sam Altman observes that the rise of AI will compel us to rethink jobs and society.—
Arafat Kabir,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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So when California sets new emission standards – and other states follow – the auto industry is compelled to adopt them.—
Francine Kiefer,
Christian Science Monitor,
2 June 2025
Verb
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Using the large-scale health research database UK Biobank, the researchers examined data from individuals with rare variants in the genes regulating SCFA-binding receptors and compared their cardiovascular medical history to that of control individuals.—
Paul McClure
June 01,
New Atlas,
1 June 2025
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Despite the encroachment of people in their natural habitats, alligators remain an important predator regulating ecosystem populations in the nation’s wetlands.—
Noël Fletcher,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
Verb
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The alleged kidnappers shocked the victim with electric wires, held him upside down from the top of a staircase, cut his leg with a saw and threatened to kill his family in a bid to coerce their Italian hostage to unlock his Bitcoin account, prosecutors said.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
30 May 2025
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Swat is coerced into taking on the role or finally getting legal comeuppances for all of his misdeeds and ends up taking on solving the mystery of a series of disappearances plaguing Echo city.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
29 May 2025
Verb
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This newsletter contains graphic descriptions that some readers may find disturbing.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
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As of Friday evening, the blaze has been fully contained.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
7 June 2025
Verb
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The prospect of a New York team with an identity forged from refusing to yield under pressure forcing an anxiety-inducing Game 7 at Madison Square Garden looms large.—
Bobby Krivitsky,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
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My biggest soccer loves will forever be Club América and Liga MX, but Vela forced me to make some room in my heart for the black and gold.—
Fidel Martinez,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Lau’s discipline is the physical extension of a whole philosophy of muscle development, harnessing of qi (energy) to help people know and control their body.—
Jia H. Jung,
Mercury News,
4 June 2025
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The missing money controlled by Velazquez was supposed to go toward undercover narcotics operations.—
Charles Rabin,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2025
Verb
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However, a driver is not legally obligated to submit to a field sobriety test, pre-arrest test or cheek swab at a DUI checkpoint, according to the Law Offices of Grech and Parker in Riverside. Field sobriety tests are subjective and may not accurately measure sobriety, according to Bee archives.—
Sarah Linn,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2025
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The county has also received a $7 million federal grant, which must be obligated in 2026, Theodore said.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2025
Verb
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The motion requests the judge to restrain all members of Trump’s administration from enforcing the order.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
5 June 2025
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In June 2024, the high court upheld a ban on firearm purchases and possession by Americans under domestic violence restraining orders.—
Devin Dwyer,
ABC News,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrain. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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