restrictive

[ ri-strik-tiv ]

adjective

1. tending or serving to restrict.
2. of the nature of a restriction.
3. expressing or implying restriction or limitation of application, as terms, expressions, etc.
4. Grammar. limiting the meaning of a modified element: Compare descriptive ( def 2b ).

   a restrictive adjective.

restrictive

/ rɪˈstrɪktɪv /

adjective

1. restricting or tending to restrict
2. grammar denoting a relative clause or phrase that restricts the number of possible referents of its antecedent. The relative clause in Americans who live in New York is restrictive; the relative clause in Americans, who are generally extrovert , is nonrestrictive

Derived Forms

• reˈstrictively, adverb
• reˈstrictiveness, noun

Other Words From

• re·strictive·ly adverb
• re·strictive·ness noun
• unre·strictive adjective
• unre·strictive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of restrictive¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Middle French restrictif < Latin restrict ( us ) ( restrict ) + Middle French -if -ive

Example Sentences

The American Chemistry Council, which advocates for the chemical industry, is calling for EPA to shed restrictive rules and accelerate approval of new chemicals.

From Science Magazine

Although Sarwar has said the UK Labour government’s new criteria is too restrictive, he has stopped short of backing SNP calls for a UK government U-turn.

From BBC

More recently, a report published by #WeCount in October 2024 found a small but consistent increase in the national monthly number of abortions since October 2023, even in states with restrictive gestational limits.

From Salon

Mr Miller is best known for shaping some of Trump's most restrictive policies on illegal immigration during his first term.

From BBC

During the Republican primaries this year, Trump sought to take credit for nominating the conservative Supreme Court justices who enabled states to pass restrictive abortion laws.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• definitive
• exclusive
• selective