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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confines
Verb
-
Mamdani has pledged to strengthen New York’s sanctuary city status, which limits the local government’s cooperation with federal agencies over immigration enforcement.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025 -
The new law also limits districts to running referendums only during general statewide elections, and not during primary or other more localized special elections.—
Caroline Beck,
IndyStar,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
What Rokita alleges in lawsuit The lawsuit argues that IPS’s policies violate Indiana law, which prohibits governmental bodies from enacting a resolution or policy that restricts employees from communicating or cooperating with federal officials about someone’s citizenship or immigration status.—
Caroline Beck,
IndyStar,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Removing this layer restricts the tree from moving water up from the roots or nutrients back down, a process known as girdling.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Nov. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Confines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confines. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share