1
as in limitation
something that limits one's freedom of action or choice
the logging company decided to relocate to another state where there would be fewer restrictions on its operations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in constraint
the act or practice of keeping something (as an activity) within certain boundaries
the restriction of surfing to the southern end of the beach rankled some surfers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of restriction
For example, governments can impose reasonable time, place and manner restrictions, such as limiting noise at certain times.
—
Cate Charron, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Researchers in the late 1970s and early 1980s later found that the policy, along with other use-of-force restrictions, helped reduce bystanders being struck by police gunfire and led to fewer deaths in police shootings.
—Claudia Lauer, Twin Cities, 8 Jan. 2026
Nvidia has faced an effective ban on selling its best AI hardware to customers in the Asian country since 2022, restrictions imposed over fears that those semiconductors could lend Beijing a military edge.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
Back in uniform Wednesday night at Barclays Center after missing two games for personal reasons, Nic Claxton returned to the Nets’ lineup against the Orlando Magic on a temporary minutes restriction.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restriction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restriction
Noun
-
Those limitations cost them more than Kornet, with Kristaps Porziņģis (traded to the Atlanta Hawks) and Al Horford (signed with the Golden State Warriors) also lost during the offseason.—
-
While the limitations imposed by the ACA cannot be undone by executive order, Congress has the power to repeal them.—
Noun
-
China’s true constraints Beijing has not refrained from action against Taiwan out of deference to international law and norms.—
-
That work—integrating hardware, software, sensors, safety systems, and real-world constraints—remains enormously difficult, slow, and capital-intensive.—
Cite this Entry
“Restriction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restriction. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share