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
The Colombian singer has been hired as part of an extended half-time entertainment in the World Cup final which, unlike last summer’s final which was confined to the stands, is to occur on the pitch. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 5 June 2026 But the black, confining nunnery space reminds a bit of some medieval dungeon. Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 4 June 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
  • There are strict rules in California around the purchasing of dynamite, which is generally restricted to licensed professionals working in mining and quarry operations, building demolitions, tunneling projects and specialized industrial activities.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
  • Partners Group is prepared to restrict investor withdrawals across more of its funds, the Swiss private markets giant said Thursday, after capping redemptions in one of its European vehicles following a surge in exit requests.
    Hugh Leask, CNBC, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • The Lieser family of Jewish industrialists was persecuted by the Nazis, including being imprisoned, and lost almost all their possessions to Nazi seizure.
    Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 5 June 2026
  • Four ex-Presidents are currently imprisoned.
    Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Your career and personal goals might not align with the scope and offer of the deal.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
  • Still, Bartos argues the pace and scope of reform changed dramatically once the United States began applying pressure through budget negotiations and funding discussions.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • But those agreements include provisions that allow prices to be adjusted if the market shifts, limiting the department's ability to fully insulate itself from sustained increases.
    Steven Beynon, ABC News, 3 June 2026
  • Free plans often limit automatic categorization, customization options and available insights.
    Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • The 36-year-old was jailed for most of his life.
    Marianne Love, Daily News, 4 June 2026
  • If others remain jailed, Lukashenko keeps something to trade later.
    Tatsiana Kulakevich, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Expect smart, mood-setting lighting within easy reach of the bed, neon accents that frame the W’s famously comfortable bed, a tech-forward setup that feels intuitive, and lightning-fast Wi-Fi.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • But it has been taught, somewhere along the way, to perform this devotion and then step around the women who embody it, as though reverence were something that belonged only in stone, only in myth, only safely out of reach of the living.
    Vogue, Vogue, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Food and drink The only thing that is simple about Passalacqua appears to be, to some extent, the food.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Deloitte’s research indicates that 55% of family offices now use data analytics to a moderate or large extent within investment activities, while 42% apply analytics across operational functions.
    Paul Westall, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Vaughn Grissom added a homer and three RBIs, and Oswald Peraza had two hits and two RBIs to help the Angels — who tied their season high with the 16 hits — avoid a three-game sweep.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
  • From a hilltop, a broad sweep of cream concrete comes into view, vineyards rolling beyond.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Confine.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confine. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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