CONSTRAIN Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'constrain' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of constrain are coerce , compel , force , and oblige . While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice. // constrained by conscience

Q: When could 'coerce' be used to replace 'constrain'?

Although the words coerce and constrain have much in common, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure. // coerced into signing over the rights

Q: When would 'compel' be a good substitute for 'constrain'?

The meanings of compel and constrain largely overlap; however, compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force. // compelled to admit my mistake

Q: Where would 'force' be a reasonable alternative to 'constrain'?

While the synonyms force and constrain are close in meaning, force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress. // forced to flee for their lives

Q: When is 'oblige' a more appropriate choice than 'constrain'?

In some situations, the words oblige and constrain are roughly equivalent. However, oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty. // felt obliged to go

constrain

verb

kən-ˈstrān

Definition of constrain next

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

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word constrain different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of constrain are coerce, compel, force, and oblige. While all these words mean "to make someone or something yield," constrain suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

constrained by conscience

When could coerce be used to replace constrain?

Although the words coerce and constrain have much in common, coerce suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.

coerced into signing over the rights

When would compel be a good substitute for constrain?

The meanings of compel and constrain largely overlap; however, compel typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.

compelled to admit my mistake

Where would force be a reasonable alternative to constrain?

While the synonyms force and constrain are close in meaning, force is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress.

forced to flee for their lives

When is oblige a more appropriate choice than constrain?

In some situations, the words oblige and constrain are roughly equivalent. However, oblige implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty.

felt obliged to go

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of constrain Even observers who think the outlook for China’s economy is less dire agree that its growth is slowing and will be constrained by structural challenges and a clumsy policymaking process. —

Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 If resources for washing clothes are limited, why shouldn’t typing monkeys be similarly constrained? —

Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, tech companies like Telegram whose social media tools have been used by ISIS and al-Qa'ida to incite violence here in the West have gradually done more to constrain these terrorist groups' capabilities to use their platforms to damage both U.S. national and global security more broadly. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025 That policy used an aggressive array of economic sanctions to constrain Tehran’s ability to fund proxy groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, grow its military, and develop its nuclear program. —

Alina Polyakova, Foreign Affairs, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for constrain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrain

Verb

Garcia said he was compelled to act given that nearly two dozen of the top 50 QBs for 2026 already have made commitments.

Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025
Some digital law experts worry that the DSA’s risk assessment and risk mitigation provisions could be interpreted to compel platforms to remove speech, even if the law doesn’t directly require the removal of certain harmful content.

Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 9 Jan. 2025