Synonyms of captive

captive 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkap-tiv 

as in imprisoned

taken and held prisoner

the captive soldiers were treated humanely by the guards

Synonyms & Similar Words

• imprisoned
• arrested
• captured
• jailed
• interned
• incarcerated
• confined
• kidnapped
• kidnaped
• enslaved
• caught
• behind bars
• trapped
• apprehended
• bound
• abducted
• indentured
• occupied
• subjugated
• subdued
• ensnared

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• free
• unrestrained
• unconfined
• released
• liberated
• freed
• emancipated
• delivered
• paroled
• enfranchised

captive

2 of 2

noun

as in prisoner

one that has been taken and held in confinement

the captives in the concentration camp had devised a daring plan of escape

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prisoner
• capture
• internee
• convict
• jailbird
• kidnapee
• arrestee
• abductee
• coprisoner
• kidnappee

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• captor
• guard
• guardian
• keeper
• warden
• jailer
• marshal
• custodian
• marshall
• jailor
• kidnapper
• abductor
• kidnaper

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of captive

Adjective

That inspector general did a very thorough report, 150 pages, and sought information from the public, other captive facilities, and aquariums from around the world. —Kelli Bender, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025

In a world transformed by humans, the line between captive animals and wild ones can be as fuzzy as the creatures that occupy that awkward middle ground. —Emily Anthes, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2024

Noun

The Hostages Family Forum, which represents the captives’ relatives, said that Hamza Ziyadne was survived by his wife and two children. —Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025

Dana helps free the rest of the captives, the remaining criminals are arrested and the survivors are treated at a hospital. —Yasmin Garaad, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025