What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gatekeep
Example
The bouncer was hired to gatekeep the entrance to the club. [gatekeep: verb]
Example
The company's hiring policies were designed to gatekeep the workforce and maintain a certain level of expertise. [gatekeeping: gerund or present participle]
restrict
Example
The doctor advised me to restrict my sugar intake to improve my health. [restrict: verb]
Example
The school has strict rules that restrict the use of cell phones during class. [restrict: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Restrict is more commonly used than gatekeep in everyday language. Restrict is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gatekeep is less common and refers to a more specific type of control or regulation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gatekeep and restrict?
Both gatekeep and restrict can be used in formal and informal contexts, but gatekeep may be more associated with a formal or professional tone due to its use in specialized fields such as journalism, academia, or technology.
