Synonyms for constrain
kənˈstreɪncon·strain

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. constrain

   To compel one to an act is to secure its performance by the use of irresistible physical or moral force. Force implies primarily an actual physical process, absolutely subduing all resistance. Coerce implies the actual or potential use of so much force as may be necessary to secure the surrender of the will; the American secessionists contended that the Federal government had no right to coerce a State. Constrain implies the yielding of judgment and will, and in some cases of inclination or affection, to an overmastering power; as, "the love of Christ constraineth us," 2 Cor. v, 14. Compare DRIVE; INFLUENCE.

   See synonyms for HINDER.

   Synonyms:
   coerce, compel, drive, force, make, necessitate, oblige

   Preposition:
   The soldiers were compelled to desertion: preferably with the infinitive, compelled to desert.

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. restrain, encumber, cumber, constrainverb

   hold back

   Synonyms:
   stiffen, restrict, trammel, keep, restrain, hold back, confine, bound, cumber, hold, tighten, encumber, tighten up, keep back, intimidate, limit, throttle

2. stiffen, tighten, tighten up, constrainverb

   restrict

   "Tighten the rules"; "stiffen the regulations"

   Synonyms:
   fasten, restrain, tighten up, encumber, tighten, cumber, reduce, stiffen

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. constrainverb

   Synonyms:
   compel, force, drive, oblige, coerce

2. constrainverb

   Synonyms:
   confine, restrain, inthral, hold, curb, put under restraint, keep down, keep under

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "constrain":

   restrict, limit, impede, hinder, hamper, coerce

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How to use constrain in a sentence?

1. Vladimir Put:

   Sanctions are sanctions, as far as sanctions are concerned .... (they're) about the need to constrain our development.

2. John McCain:

   If we want to constrain the president's actions, we have the power of the purse, the Constitution says the president of the United States is the commander in chief.

3. Ronald Man:

   The economic outlook for South Korea remains challenging. Household consumption growth has not recovered, while weak global demand is forecast to constrain trade.

4. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew:

   Our partners fear that a trade agreement with an enforceable currency discipline could constrain the ability of their monetary authorities to conduct appropriate macroeconomic policies, and that is a risk they are unwilling to take.

5. Gregory Daco:

   Maybe even higher, that is going to constrain business investment, that is going to constrain hiring, and that is going to constrain consumer spending. And so that will lead to weaker economic activity going forward.