as in imprisoned
taken and held prisoner
the captive soldiers were treated humanely by the guards
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of captive
USA Today, 4 July 2025
About 50 hostages remain captive in Gaza, with less than half believed to be alive.
—Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025
Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
However, Netanyahu has vowed to fight on until all remaining hostages being held in Gaza are returned, a position at odds with a group representing relatives of the captives.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for captive
Adjective
Ruby Chen, 55, the father of 19-year-old American-Israeli Itay, who is believed to have been killed after being taken captive, urged Netanyahu to return from meeting with Trump with a deal that brings back all hostages.
—USA Today, 4 July 2025
About 50 hostages remain captive in Gaza, with less than half believed to be alive.
—Arkansas Online, 2 July 2025
Noun
President Donald Trump has pressed for Israel and Hamas to clinch a ceasefire and secure the release of the remaining captives held in Gaza.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
However, Netanyahu has vowed to fight on until all remaining hostages being held in Gaza are returned, a position at odds with a group representing relatives of the captives.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for captive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for captive
prisoner
Noun
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Return Strong said the prison offered months of delay for one individual with a broken wrist and finger, limited mental health care, mold covering the shower walls, restricted visitation, took away access to fruit and stuck prisoners with years of solitary confinement.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
19 July 2025
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In a statement, Venezuela's government confirmed the release of 252 prisoners from CECOT.—
Laura Romero,
ABC News,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Captive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captive. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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