Constraints — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /kən-ˈstrānt/ con·straint

Meaning & Definition of Constraints

Constraints (noun)

  1. the act of constraining
  2. the state of being checked, restricted, or compelled to avoid or perform some action
  3. a constraining condition, agency, or force, check

Constraints (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that limits one's freedom of action or choice

    "put legal constraints on the board's activities"

    similar: checks, circumscriptions, conditions, curbs, fetters, limitations, restraints, restrictions, strictures
    related: exceptions, provisos, qualifications, reservations, stipulations, strings, bans, prohibitions, proscriptions
    near: freedoms, latitudes

  2. the use of power to impose one's will on another

    "parental constraint can take several different forms, including a denial of the approval that children usually seek from their parents"

    similar: arm-twistings, coercions, compulsions, duresses, forces, pressures
    related: browbeatings, bulldozings, fears, intimidations, menaces, swords, terrorisms, terrors, threats, violences, squeeze plays, squeezes, mights, muscles, potencies, puissances, strengths, self-wills, strains, stresses
    near: agreements, approvals, consents, permissions, persuasions, reasons, suasions

Related Entry: Constraint (noun)

Constraint is a different word from Constraints. The synonyms below are for constraint, not for constraints.

  1. the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others

    "in civilized society people do not just say or do whatever they feel like—they exercise some constraint"

    similar: continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, repression, reserve, restraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression
    related: command, control, mastery, possession, self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower, composure, self-poise, self-possession, aloofness, detachedness, distance, bashfulness, modesty, shyness, reticence, silence, taciturnity
    opposite: disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint
    near: self-abandonment, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness, gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence, bluntness, candor, frankness, immoderacy, intemperance

  2. something that limits one's freedom of action or choice

    "put legal constraints on the board's activities"

    similar: check, circumscription, condition, curb, fetter, limitation, restraint, restriction, stricture
    related: exception, proviso, qualification, reservation, stipulation, strings, ban, prohibition, proscription
    near: freedom, latitude

  3. the use of power to impose one's will on another

    "parental constraint can take several different forms, including a denial of the approval that children usually seek from their parents"

    similar: arm-twisting, coercion, compulsion, duress, force, pressure
    related: browbeating, bulldozing, bullying, fear, intimidation, menace, sword, terror, terrorism, threat, violence, squeeze, squeeze play, might, muscle, potency, puissance, strength, hardheadedness, self-will, willfulness, strain, stress
    near: agreement, approval, consent, permission, convincing, persuasion, reason, suasion

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Constraints

The most common words with a similar meaning to Constraints:

checks, circumscriptions, conditions, curbs, fetters, limitations, restraints, restrictions, strictures, arm-twistings, coercions, compulsions, duresses, forces, pressures

Related Words for Constraints

exceptions, provisos, qualifications, reservations, stipulations, strings, bans, prohibitions, proscriptions, browbeatings, bulldozings, fears, intimidations, menaces, swords, terrorisms, terrors, threats, violences, squeeze plays, squeezes, mights, muscles, potencies, puissances, strengths, self-wills, strains, stresses

Near Antonyms of Constraints

freedoms, latitudes, agreements, approvals, consents, permissions, persuasions, reasons, suasions

Origin & Etymology of Constraints

Middle English, from Middle French constrainte, from constraindre see constrain

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Constraints

Frequently Asked Questions about Constraints

What does "Constraints" mean?

"Constraints" means the act of constraining. As a noun, it is defined as: the act of constraining. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Constraints"?

Other words for "Constraints" include checks, circumscriptions, conditions, curbs, fetters, limitations, restraints and restrictions. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Constraints" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Constraints"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Constraints". Common alternatives include checks, circumscriptions, conditions, curbs, fetters, limitations, restraints, restrictions, strictures and arm-twistings.

How do you use "Constraints" in a sentence?

Examples of "Constraints" in a sentence: "put legal constraints on the board's activities"; "parental constraint can take several different forms, including a denial of the approval that children usually seek from their parents".

Is "Constraints" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Constraints" is a noun.

Is "Constraints" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Constraints"?

"Constraints" is pronounced /kən-ˈstrānt/ and divided into syllables as con·straint.

What is the origin of the word "Constraints"?

"Constraints" comes from Middle English, from Middle French constrainte, from constraindre see constrain. First known use: 15th century.