confines

confines

noun plural

Definition of CONFINES

1

a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go <within the confines of the city>

Synonyms bound, boundary, cap, ceiling, confines, end, extent, limitation, line, termination

Related Words extremity, fag end, terminus; border, brim, edge, margin, rim, verge; outside; bar, barrier, fence, hedge, restraint, stop, wall

2

the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something <outside the confines of the school walls>

Synonyms borderline, bound, boundary, brim, circumference, compass, confines, edge, edging, end, frame, fringe, hem, margin, perimeter, periphery, rim, skirt, skirting, verge

Related Words ambit; brink, crest, curb, cusp, lip; ceiling, maximum; demarcation, extent, limitation, measure, mere, restriction, termination; borderland, frontier, march, outskirts, pale, selvage; lap; shore

Near Antonyms center, core, heart; inner, inside, interior, middle, within

3

an area over which activity, capacity, or influence extends <that's beyond the confines of my power as dean of the college>

Synonyms ambit, amplitude, breadth, compass, confines, dimension(s), extent, reach, realm, scope, sweep, width

Related Words gamut, spectrum, spread; bailiwick, circle, demesne, department, discipline, domain, element, fief, fiefdom, field, province, region, specialty, sphere, terrain; frontier; horizon, panorama