1
as in limit
a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go
within the confines of the city
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in perimeter
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something
outside the confines of the school walls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in scope
an area over which activity, capacity, or influence extends
that's beyond the confines of my power as dean of the college
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in limits
to set bounds or an upper limit for
will confine my remarks to the subject we came here to discuss
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in imprisons
to put in or as if in prison
the accused was confined until the trial could take place
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of confines
Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 9 Feb. 2026
In an industry that often confines its actors, especially women and especially Black women, Hall continues to carve a path defined by risk, depth and courage.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 Nov. 2025
Verb
Places like Los Angeles and Oakland have high permit fees and strict zoning that often confines cans to industrial areas.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 9 Feb. 2026
In an industry that often confines its actors, especially women and especially Black women, Hall continues to carve a path defined by risk, depth and courage.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confines
Verb
-
The measure, which passed unanimously, limits where new tobacco retailers in Aurora can locate — no closer than 1,500 feet to schools or 2,000 feet to another tobacco seller — in an attempt to prevent over-concentration of outlets in the city.—
John Aguilar,
Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2026
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In most cases, state law limits a school district’s total liability to $200,000 per individual and $300,000 per incident for most negligence cases.—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Afwerki routinely imprisons his critics and political opponents and has implemented a policy of indefinite mandatory military and national service for residents, which human-rights watchdogs say amounts to slavery.—
Zak Cheney-Rice,
Vulture,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Ballistic missiles The United States is also demanding that Iran restricts its ballistic missile program.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The bill also restricts course materials and professional development curriculum considered discriminatory under education code.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The facility is one of 11 Kentucky jails that contract with ICE to detain people.—
Monroe Trombly,
Louisville Courier Journal,
24 Feb. 2026
-
China, which jails human rights activists in Hong Kong, persecutes Uyghurs, has killed hundreds of thousands of Tibetans and has committed genocide against the Falun Gong, is on the UN Human Rights Council.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Confines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confines. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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