Synonyms of confine

confine 1 of 2

verb

kən-ˈfīn 

1

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

• restrict
• limit
• tighten
• circumscribe
• hold down
• hinder
• impede
• cap
• obstruct
• suppress
• narrow
• block
• hamper
• modify
• lessen
• repress
• constrict
• bar
• squeeze
• number
• quell
• contract
• qualify
• pinch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exceed
• expand
• broaden
• widen
• overextend
• overreach

2

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

• imprison
• jail
• intern
• incarcerate
• detain
• restrain
• commit
• restrict
• lock (up)
• immure
• limit
• constrain
• arrest
• catch
• shut
• capture
• apprehend
• jug
• gate
• seize
• keep
• bind
• bar
• hold
• impress
• impound
• nab
• pinch
• enchain
• pick up
• bust
• shackle
• trammel
• handcuff
• fetter
• shanghai
• manacle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liberate
• free
• release
• discharge
• emancipate
• unchain
• enfranchise
• unbind
• manumit
• unfetter
• uncage

confine

2 of 2

noun

as in scope

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scope
• reach
• extent
• sweep
• width
• ambit
• breadth
• pursuit
• amplitude
• occupation
• profession
• ken
• territory
• racket
• compass
• vocation
• subject
• dimension(s)
• study
• subfield
• subspecialty
• turf
• area
• frontier
• realm
• discipline
• sphere
• bailiwick
• front
• element
• province
• department
• walk
• domain
• circle
• field
• arena
• specialty
• kingdom
• precinct
• firmament
• game
• business
• terrain
• fief
• demesne
• fiefdom
• barony
• line

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of confine

Verb

One of the five Venezuelan opposition activists who recently escaped after more than a year confined inside the Argentine Embassy in Caracas says their dramatic rescue underscores the crumbling state of the Nicolas Maduro regime’s security forces. —Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025

Some with the condition experience patchy hair loss confined to the scalp, while others experience total hair loss all over the body. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 10 May 2025

Noun

Squeezing into the narrow confines, the clang of the metal doors closing and the nearness of their neighbors can be unsettling, if not downright dangerous. —Dana O'Neil, New York Times, 3 May 2025

Together with her seven surviving siblings, Elisabeth spent much of her childhood in nature rather than in the confines of the royal court. —Elizabeth Djinis, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025