as in defeated
to take control of and assert authority over
—usually used as (be) enslaved
Her ancestors were enslaved during the war.
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Dissimilar Words
as in indentured
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of enslaved
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
What true grit has been shown by the descendants of an enslaved people.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 19 June 2025
Troy McMullen, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
The Rinds themselves enslaved a man named Dick, who appeared in the inventory of William’s estate; evidence suggests that Dick was an active employee of the press, thus making an essential contribution to the development of the newspaper.
—Alexandra Cox, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enslaved
Verb
Two-and-a-half years after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, the enslaved people of Texas learned — via the victorious Union Army — that they were liberated.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
What true grit has been shown by the descendants of an enslaved people.
—The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 19 June 2025
Adjective
At a time when most African Americans were still enslaved on farms and plantations in the Antebellum South, Poynor was a prolific furniture maker who was admired by white society for his skills as a craftsman.
—Troy McMullen, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
The Rinds themselves enslaved a man named Dick, who appeared in the inventory of William’s estate; evidence suggests that Dick was an active employee of the press, thus making an essential contribution to the development of the newspaper.
—Alexandra Cox, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enslaved
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enslaved
Adjective
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Among her ancestors: John Howland, who arrived as an indentured servant; Elizabeth Tilley, who was a passenger along with her parents and married Howland three years after arriving; and Richard Warren, who helped explore Cape Cod to find areas to settle.—
Lois K. Solomon,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Nov. 2024
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The young man probably arrived from England in the 1630s as a cabin boy or an indentured servant.—
Meilan Solly,
Smithsonian Magazine,
26 Dec. 2023
Verb
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O'Reilly said that the police department reduced the number of abuse complaints and use of Taser, which had been leading to costly lawsuits.—
Niraj Warikoo,
Detroit Free Press,
3 Jan. 2025
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Liver damage can be reduced if the person stops drinking.—
George Petras,
USA TODAY,
3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The film is another attempt to reinvent the zombie-movie-genre wheel wholesale, and the result is both audacious and bound to be divisive.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
24 June 2025
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The Yankees managed just five base runners off Crochet before Judge finally unloaded on a pitch, driving a towering shot that seemed bound to clank off the Citgo sign well beyond Fenway Park’s dimensions.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
14 June 2025
Adjective
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The ship could be a ferry, a tug, or other coastal vessel traveling within a very confined area.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
28 Jan. 2017
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And a subway car is a confined space where there may be no easy way to escape danger.—
James Barron,
New York Times,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In at least four of the heists, the thieves threatened their victim with a gun; one victim was pistol whipped, cops said.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
23 Dec. 2024
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At the final whistle, James ran onto the field and whipped a towel through the air.—
Thuc Nhi Nguyen,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Varsity last year settled an $82.5 million antitrust class-action lawsuit brought by a class of cheer customers who alleged the company used monopolistic practices to exploit its captive market.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
18 June 2025
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There are about 29,000 to 30,000 captive portfolio companies sitting in private equity funds that have yet to be monetized, and 50% of them are at least four years or so in terms of the investment cycle.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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Back in 2012, the two starred in The Paperboy, in which Efron’s wide-eyed character falls for an older woman (Kidman) who is in love with an incarcerated murderer.—
Andrea Mandell,
Peoplemag,
27 June 2024
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Investigators later said the driver was unaware of the scam call that Brock had received with threats and demands for money, citing an incarcerated relative.—
Mark Scolforo,
Fortune,
20 Apr. 2024
Verb
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Their goggles are already thrashed, and a solid pair of gogs like these Smith Squad Mags will be a major come-up for their winter kit.—
Drew Zieff,
Outside Online,
20 Dec. 2024
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The highest point spread of the NFL season came to fruition on Sunday as the Baltimore Ravens thrashed the New York Giants, 35-14, with Lamar Jackson throwing five touchdown passes to lead the way for the flock.—
Scott Thompson,
Fox News,
15 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Enslaved.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enslaved. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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