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
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
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This decades-old measure changed the company to a joint stock corporation and effectively limits management's ability to close plants.
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That limits his position flexibility, which might make his roster spot difficult to hold onto if four other receivers outshine him.
Verb
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County leaders vowed to legally oppose the facility, pointing to county zoning laws that do not allow for detention centers or any type of facility that holds or imprisons people on county land.
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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.
Verb
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The bill restricts adversarial foreign nations from maintaining significant investments in agricultural land and property near military bases, among other provisions.
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The ordinance that restricts yoga instruction at city parks does not outlaw teaching other subjects including tai chi and Shakespeare, the city has conceded in court proceedings.
Verb
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The facility is one of 11 Kentucky jails that contract with ICE to detain people.
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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.
Cite this Entry
“Confines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confines. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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