Thesaurus

confine

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of confine

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to set bounds or an upper limit for

will confine my remarks to the subject we came here to discuss

Synonyms for confine

Words Related to confine

number

Near Antonyms for confine

Antonyms for confine

exceed

2 to put in or as if in prison

the accused was confined until the trial could take place

Synonyms for confine

Words Related to confine

bar,
gate

Near Antonyms for confine

Antonyms for confine

confine

noun

Synonyms of confine (Entry 2 of 2)

as in extent, scope

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for confine

frontier

Frequently Asked Questions About confine

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