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

Don’t confine yourself to working from home all the time. —

Alexandra Pastore, WWD, 5 Feb. 2025 Yet they’re currently confined to only five pilot areas of the city, and the areas in greatest need face the strictest limitations. —

Micky Horstman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025

Noun

Usually, archaeologists make bombshell discoveries when a trowel hits a skull or other telltale bone in the confines of a cave. —

Katie Hunt, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025 How brands express their designs within the confines of yellow gold remains a high point of their respective collections. —

Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for confine

Recent Examples of Synonyms for confine

Verb

Economic barriers, restricted access to education, and regressive gender norms create additional hurdles.

— Kath Mackay, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2025
In addition to the substantial challenges posed by ongoing economic uncertainty and climate change, the president's policies could further intensify the situation, potentially restricting development, altering affordability and shifting market dynamics in unpredictable ways.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025