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Synonyms

restriction

American  
[ri-strik-shuhn] / rɪˈstrɪk ʃən /

noun

  1. something that restricts; a restrictive condition or regulation; limitation.

    Synonyms:
    restraint, reservation, provision, rule
  2. the act of restricting.

  3. the state of being restricted. restricted.


restriction British  
/ rɪˈstrɪkʃən /

noun

  1. something that restricts; a restrictive measure, law, etc

  2. the act of restricting or the state of being restricted

  3. logic maths a condition that imposes a constraint on the possible values of a variable or on the domain of arguments of a function

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonrestriction noun
  • overrestriction noun
  • prerestriction noun
  • prorestriction adjective
  • restrictionist noun
  • self-restriction noun
  • superrestriction noun

Etymology

Origin of restriction

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Late Latin restrictiōn-, stem of restrictiō; equivalent to restrict + -ion

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He said when Butler left Manston, he was subject to a 12-month restriction on involvement in commercial activity related to his role at the site.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

So why should the court now impose a restriction that does not appear anywhere in the Constitution?

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

She added that top coal supplier Indonesia had placed "no restriction" on the amount the Philippines could buy if it needs to increase imports.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

The administration has also put a restriction on the number of foreign nationals who can enter the country by revoking or denying tourist visas, as well as increasing immigration fees.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Relationships between young men and women of his unpropertied class were fraught with restriction and inhibition.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall