confine 1 of 2

Definition of confinenext

confine

2 of 2

noun

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of confine
Verb
Expanding the Species’ Footprint A central part of that recovery effort has been the strategic establishment of new colonies to ensure the species is not confined to a single location — a vulnerability that could prove catastrophic in the event of disease, wildfire or other disaster. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026 Any returns the economy is seeing are largely confined to the tech industry, suggesting that the AI disruption has been limited in the real economy. Jake Angelo, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
Animals that are kennel-trained will likely be pleased to be in their cozy confines and away from the bustle of vacuums, mops, and the like, but for those who are roamers, consider gating off an area for them. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025 The National Park Service did not change its confine and contain strategy to reflect the worsening conditions and maintained that there was still no threat to public safety or developed areas. Stephanie Murray, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for confine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confine
Verb
  • French President Emmanuel Macron blasted tech company executives of social media platforms over refusals to limit or restrict speech.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The state also funds preschool centers for kids from low- to middle-income families; federal funds pay for separate Head Start programs that are also income-restricted.
    CalMatters, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Even today, families continue searching for loved ones, uncertain whether they are imprisoned or dead.
    Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Navalnaya said her husband exhibited no instances of heart disease before he was imprisoned.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Still, the department is sweeping in its scope, responsible not only for immigration enforcement, but also disaster response and airport security.
    Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 14 Feb. 2026
  • As is tradition in adaptations of Wuthering Heights, Fennell’s film narrows its scope to Heathcliff and Cathy’s relationship and ends with her death.
    Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • French President Emmanuel Macron blasted tech company executives of social media platforms over refusals to limit or restrict speech.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Liverpool currently limit most of their first-year pros to a basic salary of around £52,000 a year plus bonuses, but there are exceptions to the rule.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • He was jailed in January 2021 and moved to an Arctic penal colony in late 2023.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026
  • For example, Yasser Abu Shabab, the now-deceased head of one of the gangs, reportedly escaped prison, where he was jailed for drug smuggling.
    Daniel Estrin, NPR, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • While data on the blockchain shows most services were concentrated in Southeast Asia, customers sent payments from across North and South America, Europe and Australia, highlighting the global reach of the operations.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Wood and Orr said the appeal for MAC presidents was extending the conference’s reach into California, the nation’s most populous state.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • His films, to an extent, reflected that transatlantic residency in their freshness of perspective.
    Kevin Crust, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Those 26 wins were the extent of his success, a great rookie season to be sure, but not exactly a guarantee that Tang was John Wooden in waiting.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Behind 42 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds from Cade Cunningham, Detroit took down New York 126-111 to complete the regular-season sweep.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Cadaver searches of the area using K-9 teams and aerial drone sweeps were conducted, and water rescue teams used 2D and 3D sonar technology in their efforts to locate him, police said.
    Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Confine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confine. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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