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

Example 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

Hundreds more remain confined to their homes and are unable to evacuate due to the ferocity of the clashes, Marín warned Tuesday in a video statement. —

Michael Rios, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025 Bird flu: What to know now Bird flu has been making its way around the world since 1997 but had been largely confined to wild birds until recent years. —

Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025

Noun

Within the confines of this potential foursome, there are opportunities for psychological rigor, as well as chances to deal with issues including religious fundamentalism, male infertility and the gendering of romantic obsession. —

Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Jan. 2025 Although its valuation is significantly undervalued within the confines of legacy DuPont, water has not been the main driver behind the Club’s investment in DuPont. —

Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for confine

Recent Examples of Synonyms for confine

Verb

Lawmakers restricted livestock in tenements and ordered manure to be cleaned up from yards and vacant lots.

— Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025
Furthermore, the subject matter for their art was restricted – detainees were forbidden from representing certain aspects of their detention, and all artwork was subject to approval and risked being destroyed.

— Alexandra Moore, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2025