CONFINE Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'confine' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of confine are circumscribe , limit , and restrict . While all these words mean "to set bounds for," confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering. // our choices were confined by finances

Q: When is it sensible to use 'circumscribe' instead of 'confine'?

The words circumscribe and confine are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries. // the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

Q: When might 'limit' be a better fit than 'confine'?

The words limit and confine can be used in similar contexts, but limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go. // visits are limited to 30 minutes

Q: When is 'restrict' a more appropriate choice than 'confine'?

The meanings of restrict and confine largely overlap; however, restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary. // laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

confine 1 of 2

verb

kən-ˈfīn

Definition of confine next

as in to restrict

to set bounds or an upper limit for will confine my remarks to the subject we came here to discuss

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to imprison

to put in or as if in prison the accused was confined until the trial could take place

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

confine

2 of 2

noun

as in scope

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word confine different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of confine are circumscribe, limit, and restrict. While all these words mean "to set bounds for," confine suggests severe restraint and a resulting cramping, fettering, or hampering.

our choices were confined by finances

When is it sensible to use circumscribe instead of confine?

The words circumscribe and confine are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, circumscribe stresses a restriction on all sides and by clearly defined boundaries.

the work of the investigating committee was carefully circumscribed

When might limit be a better fit than confine?

The words limit and confine can be used in similar contexts, but limit implies setting a point or line (as in time, space, speed, or degree) beyond which something cannot or is not permitted to go.

visits are limited to 30 minutes

When is restrict a more appropriate choice than confine?

The meanings of restrict and confine largely overlap; however, restrict suggests a narrowing or tightening or restraining within or as if within an encircling boundary.

laws intended to restrict the freedom of the press

Examples 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 confine

Verb

However, Christmas cactuses grow best when their roots are slightly confined. —

Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024 The opacity and coyness of the white-cube gallery, confining its business activities to the back room, feel like holdovers from an earlier age, when the modernist opposition of art and commerce governed artmaking and marketing both. —

Natasha Degen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024

Noun

Simpson and other delegates noted that constituents have been reaching out to the council, asking what was happening within the confines of the executive office. —

Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 23 Oct. 2024 Just like the Jeffersons, the new RHONY is moving on up, but out of the stodgy Upper East Side and to the cooler confines of downtown. —

Brian Moylan, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for confine

Recent Examples of Synonyms for confine

Verb

The intent is to restrict Russia’s access to the international financial system and limit the flow of funds to Russia’s war machine.

Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
California voters have approved Proposition 34, a measure from an apartment trade group that aimed to restrict spending by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which has bankrolled several rent control initiatives and criticized the measure as unconstitutional revenge.

Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024