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. 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.

2. Jeremy Wilcox:

   The fall in consumption in Japan is mainly down to slower economic growth, at the same time, increased focus on energy efficiency is really starting to constrain imports.

3. John Kilduff:

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

4. Asim Rahman:

   The acquisition terms reflect paying a very high valuation multiple and the deal could constrain inorganic investment in the pharma division at a time when the future pipeline of this division is a key concern for investors, following a future integration of Monsanto, Bayer could find itself with a weakened pharma business.

5. 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.