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
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1
as in limits
to set bounds or an upper limit for
will confine my remarks to the subject we came here to discuss
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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
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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.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for confines
Verb
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The law requires presidents to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying forces and to end military action within 60 to 90 days absent authorization — limits that presidents of both parties have routinely stretched.—
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But coming off an ankle injury and in a timeshare with backfield mate Vidal limits Hampton’s appeal.—
Verb
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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.—
Verb
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In 2024, she was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, a disease in which the aortic valve narrows and restricts blood flow.—
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Almost everyone who lives with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) restricts their diet to avoid foods that cause symptoms, and most report reactions to certain foods.—
Verb
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The regime that jails children also profits from drugs, human trafficking, and online scams.—
Cite this Entry
“Confines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confines. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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