Synonyms for constrain
Definitions
- v. 1
To force physically, by strong persuasion or pressuring; to compel; to oblige.
- v. 2
To keep within close bounds; to confine.
Related words
- Word family
- constrainment constraint constrict
Forms
- Past participle
- constrained
e.g. constrained → restrained, confined, enforced, compelled…
Choose the right word
Constrain is positive; restrain is negative; one is constrained to an action; he is restrained from an action. Constrain refers almost exclusively to moral force, restrain frequently to physical force, as when we speak of putting one under restraint.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- enforce The government must enforce the law immediately.
- compel I compel you to adhere to our master's teachings.
- restrain We tried to restrain him from his reckless action.
- confine Confine your remarks to the matter we are discussing.
By length
- 4 letters
- make1, hold1, urge1, curb1, bind1
- 5 letters
- force1, press1, drive1, impel2
- 6 letters
- impose2, compel2, oblige2, coerce2
- 7 letters
- enforce2, tighten2, confine2, stiffen2, delimit
- 8 letters
- restrict2, restrain2, obligate3, straiten
- 11 letters
- necessitate4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (impel2 = 2 syllables).
In other languages
- Français
- astreindre