constraint
noun
con·straint
kən-ˈstrānt 
1
a
: the act of constraining
b
: the state of being checked, restricted, or compelled to avoid or perform some action
… the constraint and monotony of a monastic life …—
Matthew Arnold
Matthew Arnolda life of invalidism and constraint
c
: a constraining condition, agency, or force : check
put legal constraints on the board's activities
Budget constraints have forced me to revise my travel plans.
2
a
: repression of one's own feelings, behavior, or actions
emotional constraint
b
: a sense of being constrained : embarrassment
" … a constraint between us as if we were strangers … "—John P. Marquand
John P. MarquandSynonyms
Examples of constraint in a Sentence
Lack of funding has been a major constraint on the building's design.
They demand freedom from constraint.
They refuse to work under constraint any longer.
Recent Examples on the Web
About 7% of HSE students take courses to train as nurses, medical technicians and welders but a much greater number, perhaps more than 20%-30%, can’t take the courses because of space and transportation constraints.
—John Tuohy, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024
What would be most helpful during the holidays to alleviate stress, time constraints, family commitments and lack of time for self-care?
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
If a child’s family has financial constraints, Second Wind Fund covers the cost of 12 to 20 therapy sessions.
—Elizabeth Hernandez, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
Any new administration needs to square its sweeping campaign rhetoric with the realities of market behavior, fiscal constraints, and the actions of U.S. adversaries.
—Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for constraint 
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John Tuohy, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024
What would be most helpful during the holidays to alleviate stress, time constraints, family commitments and lack of time for self-care?
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
If a child’s family has financial constraints, Second Wind Fund covers the cost of 12 to 20 therapy sessions.
—Elizabeth Hernandez, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
Any new administration needs to square its sweeping campaign rhetoric with the realities of market behavior, fiscal constraints, and the actions of U.S. adversaries.
—Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for constraint
Dictionary Entries Near constraint
Cite this Entry
“Constraint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constraint. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
constraint
noun
con·straint
kən-ˈstrānt
1
: the act of constraining : the state of being constrained
2
: something that constrains : check
3
: a holding back of one's feelings, actions, or behavior
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