Synonyms for constrain
kənˈstreɪncon·strain

English Synonyms and Antonyms(5.00 / 1 vote)Rate these synonyms:

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 WordNet(5.00 / 1 vote)Rate these synonyms:

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 Synonymes(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate these synonyms:

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 database(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate these paraphrases:

1. List of paraphrases for "constrain":

   restrict, limit, impede, hinder, hamper, coerce

How to pronounce constrain?

How to say constrain in sign language?

Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use constrain in a sentence?

1. Andrew Parker:

   We must not risk the loss of mutual capability or weakening of collective effort across Europe, i don't do politics but it is of course political arrangements, laws and treaties that permit or constrain what we can do together as agencies protecting our countries and Europe.

2. Erik Gordon:

   I think its only a matter of time before the nuclear option is invoked and upheld because Musk just will not constrain himself.

3. John Kilduff:

   The Saudis appear to be redoubling their efforts to constrain global supplies, in response to this week's sell-off.

4. James Kane:

   It’s a signal of intent that they want to be involved in that region more politically, economically, militarily, there is a sort of grand vision of the UK as a balancing power, helping to stabilise the Asia-Pacific region, and constructing rules to constrain the rise of China.

5. 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.