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

How to pronounce constrain?

How to say constrain in sign language?

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

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Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use constrain in a sentence?

1. Barry Schwartz:

   The cheer was heard all the way from Bay Street to St. Clair where I am, it's the regulators saying you're OK, you're not going to be covered under these new regulations that will force you to have more capital that will constrain your ability to grow.

2. Christen Kuikoua:

   At times, one must possess a certain audacity, as I do, to choose as a leader one who defies the weight of convention, challenging the very forces that seek to constrain

3. 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.

4. Vladimir Put:

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

5. Puok Both Baluang:

   We will not fall only for the position of the First Vice President in this negotiation. We are focusing more on structural and institutional issues to constrain Kiir's regime both in the executive and legislature.