confinement

noun

kən-ˈfīn-mənt How to pronounce confinement (audio)
Definition of confinementnext
1
as in captivity
the act of confining or the state of being confined some wild animals take to confinement very poorly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in restriction
the act or practice of keeping something (as an activity) within certain boundaries the confinement of commercial development to one stretch of roadway is intended to help preserve the town's rural character

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 confinement The couple cited the COVID-19 confinement as having a negative impact on their relationship. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 8 July 2026 His public defender says Bonheur should get home confinement… for running a $7-million racket. — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 7 July 2026 In May, they were convicted of first-degree murder, as well as additional charges of confinement, assault with a weapon and failing to provide the necessaries of life. — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Prolonged confinement made detainees more anxious and desperate, at times leading to hunger strikes and fights. — Perla Trevizo, ProPublica, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for confinement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confinement
  1. captivity
  2. restriction
  3. internment
  4. limitation
  5. imprisonment
  6. incarceration
  7. prison
Noun
  • The movie, which starred an orca named Keiko, also dispelled myths about the killer whale and inspired activism around their captivity.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 9 July 2026
  • Their captivity took them from western Siberia to Yekaterinburg.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026
Definition of captivity
Noun
  • Arbitration is conducted in private and parties are subject to confidentiality restrictions.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 July 2026
  • Other updates may include additional distance requirements from residential properties, restrictions on types of cooling systems or water usage and site testing to be completed at the developer’s expense.
    — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
Definition of restriction
Noun
  • Established in 1855 as a military post to fight against the Mescalero Apache, the fort went on to play a minor role in the Civil War and later served as a tuberculosis sanitorium and a World War II internment camp.
    — Allison Savage Bates, Denver Post, 19 July 2026
  • The Rohingya still living in Myanmar face severe restrictions and many are confined to internment camps.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Definition of internment
Noun
  • The team has filed a provisional patent for their conductive ink, but there are still a few limitations.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2026
  • You're bound by limitations, including the ability to create only two webpages, a 1GB monthly data transfer limit, and 50 CMS items (blog posts, images, etc).
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 14 July 2026
Definition of limitation
Noun
  • Violating the ban on tattooing the head, face or neck is a misdemeanor offense under state law that carries penalties of a fine of up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment for up to one year if convicted.
    — BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 17 July 2026
  • After his conviction was vacated, Broadwater sued the state of New York for wrongful imprisonment.
    — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 17 July 2026
Definition of imprisonment
Noun
  • Homelessness after incarceration increases the chances that someone will end up back behind bars, at a steep cost to taxpayers.
    — Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
  • Ayón works in Sacramento helping people reintegrate to society after incarceration and is also a student at a community college.
    — Albinson Linares, NBC news, 18 July 2026
Definition of incarceration
Noun
  • The two each now face 15 years to life in state prison, if convicted of second-degree murder; or a lesser sentence of up to 11 years per count if convicted of voluntary manslaughter.
    — Darrell Smith July 16, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
  • My fiancé’s older brother is in prison for felony indecency with a child.
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 17 July 2026
Definition of prison

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Cite this Entry

“Confinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confinement. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on confinement

Nglish: Translation of confinement for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about confinement

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