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

There have been some cautious efforts to fund legitimate research into solar geoengineering, though likely confined to labs and computer models for now. —

Justine Calma, The Verge, 9 Dec. 2024 Much of the footage is confined to four walls, but the limitations of their fame have yet to become a claustrophobic prison that would force them to permanently retire from touring less than three years later. —

Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024

Noun

If this storyline feels ambitious within the confines of a four-minute song, Taylor’s production is at least equally so. —

Pitchfork, 2 Dec. 2024 In places like these, a lot of people get around legally within the confines of the development in their golf carts, some of which resemble small convertibles or sedans. —

William Roberson, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for confine

Recent Examples of Synonyms for confine

Verb

For example, if an agent starts generating an unusual number of error responses, the system should automatically restrict its capabilities and alert the operations team.

Sai Arava, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Drones are also restricted in some airspace by the FAA at the request of law enforcement for safety and security reasons.

Alexandra Skores, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024