What does "constraint" mean?
Something that constrains; a restriction.
Constraint
/kənˈstɹeɪnt/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Something that constrains; a restriction.
- Grammar: constraint is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: abnegation, abstinence, act of forcing, administrative constraint.
- Useful contrasts: allowed room, creative outlet, danish frihed.
- Usage evidence: There was a feeling of constraint in the room; no one dared to tell the king how foolish his decision was.
How to use "constraint"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "constraint" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "constraint" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "constraint" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "constraint" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "constraint" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abnegation" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "constraint", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Something that constrains; a restriction. countable, uncountable
"An engineer must recognize the difference between a constraint (to work within) and a problem (to be eliminated via resolution)."
- 2 the act of constraining; the threat or use of force to control the thoughts or behavior of others wordnet
- 3 An irresistible force or compulsion. countable, uncountable
"They confessed, but only under severe constraint."
- 4 a device that retards something's motion wordnet
- 5 The repression of one's feelings. countable, uncountable
"Although his blood so rose against this man, and his wrath so stirred within him, that he could have struck him dead, he put such fierce constraint upon himself that he passed him without a word or look. Yes, and he would have gone on, and not turned, though to resist the Devil who poured such hot temptation in his brain, required an effort scarcely to be achieved, if this man had not himself summoned him to stop"
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 the state of being physically constrained wordnet
- 7 A condition that a solution to an optimization problem must satisfy. countable, uncountable
- 8 A linkage or other restriction that maintains database integrity. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
allowed roomcreative outletdanish frihedgalician espazo
Example
"There was a feeling of constraint in the room; no one dared to tell the king how foolish his decision was."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "constraint"?
Common synonyms include: abnegation, abstinence, act of forcing, administrative constraint, algebraic model, algorithmic metric.
How do you use "constraint" in a sentence?
There was a feeling of constraint in the room; no one dared to tell the king how foolish his decision was.
How do you pronounce "constraint"?
Pronounced /kənˈstɹeɪnt/.
Etymology
From Middle English constreynt, constreynte, from Old French constreinte, past participle of constreindre (“to constrain”), from Latin cōnstringō (corresponding to the past participle cōnstrictus).