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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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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
-
Europe’s overreliance on US military tech The US’s F-53 program purposefully limits the changes foreign customers can make to the jet’s software.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
-
In November, a judge rejected Nathan’s request to close off the courtroom and impose a gag order, which limits attorneys and investigators from making out-of-court statements about the case.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Pest and wood-destroying insect evidence Missouri law restricts who can perform WDI inspections for real estate transactions to licensed and certified individuals.—
Allison Palmer
Updated February 19,
Kansas City Star,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Zuckerberg explained that the company restricts users under 13 years old and tries to detect when a user has lied about their age to go around those rules.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The regime that jails children also profits from drugs, human trafficking, and online scams.—
Kim Aris,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Confines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confines. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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