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

The second scenario requires each population in the United States and Mexico to maintain an average of 150 wolves over four years and that genetic diversity from captive wolves has been introduced into both populations. — Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2026

The fathers of classmates had vanished — farmers held captive until their family could pay ransom. — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Noun

The voyage started with 350 captives; almost all died or were kidnapped a second time by pirates. — USA Today, 4 Aug. 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