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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
Even with James as the league’s top fast-break scorer at 41 years old, Oklahoma City limits those opportunities due to its reluctance to crash the offensive glass and ability to limit live-ball turnovers.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
-
If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Daily News,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
But such judgments often come from a place of distance—from people who have never lived under a theocracy that imprisons, tortures, and kills with impunity.—
Nazanin Boniadi,
Time,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Belarus now imprisons 28 journalists as President Lukashenko intensifies a crackdown on press freedom.—
Yuras Karmanau,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The structure of micron-scale chambers restricts heat transfer while maintaining moisture permeability and quick-drying.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
-
Any decision, especially one that restricts mifepristone, could have a serious political impact.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
4 May 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 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
