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
Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 Nov. 2025
Verb
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
-
Creating a ring of immunity in this way limits a pathogen’s ability to infect others.—
Helen Branswell,
STAT,
25 Jan. 2026
-
While the high cost of advertising at mega-events limits the number of advertisers willing or able to participate, there is a clear opportunity for those who do invest.—
Charles Taylor,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 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
-
The county Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance Tuesday that restricts federal immigration agents from accessing non-public areas on county property — such as offices, construction sites and storage facilities — without a judicial warrant or court order.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Jan. 2026
-
This was in direct conflict with the Hatch Act, which restricts federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 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 31 Jan. 2026.
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