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
• enslaved
• caught
• trapped
• behind bars
• apprehended
• bound
• abducted
• indentured
• occupied
• subdued
• subjugated
• 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
• arrestee
• abductee
• coprisoner
• kidnappee

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• guard
• captor
• guardian
• keeper
• warden
• marshal
• custodian
• jailer
• kidnapper
• abductor

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of captive

Adjective

Insurers as a captive funding source for a broader financial empire is now a mainstream private-credit playbook, and the SEC probe is effectively its first stress-test if existing rules can catch it before it’s brought into public view. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026

The reptile dealers need to be more conscientious, and there needs to be more captive breeding. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026

Noun

Alice notes that the women were not allowed to bathe or even eat every day; the women were captives, treated like animals, and the men who abused them never faced any consequences. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 27 July 2026

The captives led the horses out to graze and began to gather water and collect brush for the fires. — Literary Hub, 8 July 2026