Constrain: meaning, example and synonyms

Constrainv. To restrict or limit; to force within certain bounds.

Flashcard for Constrain (verb): to restrict or limit; to force within certain bounds. Example: Limited funding constrained the study's scope, so the researchers examined only three of the region's twelve wetlands. Synonyms: restrict, limit, restrain, confine. Antonyms: free, release, liberate, expand. Memory tip: con- ("together") + strain ("bind tight"): bound in tight. Illustration: a tree growing inside a narrow fenced enclosure, its branches pressed against the fence.

Example

Limited funding constrained the study's scope, so the researchers examined only three of the region's twelve wetlands.

Part of speech
verb
Synonyms
restrict, limit, restrain, confine
Antonyms
free, release, liberate, expand
Memory tip
con- ("together") + strain ("bind tight"): bound in tight.

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Check yourself: Constrain in context

Pick the word that best completes each text, as on the SAT's words-in-context questions.

Question 1

A narrow budget ______ the film's director, who had to shoot every scene in just two locations.

Question 2

Strict building codes ______ how tall new apartments can be near the airport, so developers there build outward rather than upward.

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