restrictive
3 synonyms and 1 antonym for restrictive, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Tending to limit freedom or keep something within narrow bounds.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
unrestrictive
How to use restrictive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
restrictive rules
restrictive covenant
overly restrictive
Etymology
Restrictive came from Middle French restrictif; morphologically it is restrict plus -ive.
Full origin of restrictive →Frequently asked questions
What does “restrictive” mean?
The word “restrictive” means tending to limit freedom or keep something within narrow bounds. In plain terms, limiting or confining — used for rules, clothing, diets, or conditions in general.
How do you pronounce “restrictive”?
“Restrictive” is pronounced rih-STRIHK-tihv (/ɹɪˈstɹɪktɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “restrictive” in a sentence?
Here is “restrictive” used in a sentence: “The company operates under increasingly restrictive regulations.”
What part of speech is “restrictive”?
“Restrictive” is an adjective.
Is “restrictive” a common word?
“Restrictive” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between restrictive and strict?
Restrictive describes something that limits freedom or keeps something within narrow bounds, such as a restrictive diet or restrictive policy, while strict describes rules or enforcement that are rigorously applied, often by a person or authority. A policy can be restrictive in its content while being enforced either strictly or loosely.
What is a restrictive clause in grammar?
A restrictive clause is a clause that limits or narrows the meaning of the noun it modifies, and it is essential to the sentence's meaning, so it is not set off by commas, as in "the book that I borrowed is overdue." This grammatical term draws on the same core sense of restrictive as limiting or narrowing something.
What is the difference between restrictive and prohibitive?
Restrictive means limiting or narrowing something within bounds, while prohibitive means preventing something entirely, often by making it too costly or difficult to pursue. A restrictive rule narrows your options, whereas a prohibitive cost effectively rules an option out altogether.
