confine 1 of 2

confine

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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
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 See All Example Sentences for confine
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confine
Verb
  • Earlier this year President Trump signed an executive order which seeks to restrict this right, which was established by the 14th Amendment in 1868.
    Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • However, as noted earlier, the agency hasn’t disclaimed that power, and Congress hasn’t acted to restrict it.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • The Trump administration deported over 200 immigrants to the Central American country in two separate flights after securing a deal with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, which involved paying the nation's government millions of dollars to imprison migrants.
    Billal Rahman Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
  • Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called for Comey to be imprisoned.
    Kelsey Walsh, ABC News, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Are these films more intimate in scope, or has there been there a shift in scale?
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 17 May 2025
  • The scope for Wieffer, O’Riley and Gomez to improve in their second seasons at Brighton provides hope of bridging the gap.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Golden State’s defense swarmed Plum with traps and forced the ball out of her hands, limiting her to 16 points on six-of-18 shooting, including two for 10 from beyond the arc.
    Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
  • What To Know Introduced by Representatives King and Roy Klopfenstein, House Bill 1, seeks to limit who can be a land owner in the Buckeye state.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Combs has been jailed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Donald had also been jailed on weapon possession charges.
    Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • But for three years, a packed schedule kept that dream just out of reach.
    Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • Boyd led 3-0, but erupted for six runs in the top of the sixth inning to put the game out of reach.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • To a lesser extent, McDavid was part of Leon Draisaitl’s Rocket-winning act this season.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 26 May 2025
  • What to do instead: Make getting high-quality sleep a priority, to the extent that that’s possible.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Coming off a surprising three-game sweep at Dodger Stadium, the Angels (21-25) have won four in a row to start a seven-game trip.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
  • Regularly sweep, mop properly with clean water and mop heads, and use a squeegee after showers to reduce buildup and maintain a sparkling finish.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Confine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confine. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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