CAPTIVITY Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

captivity

noun

kap-ˈti-və-tē

Definition of captivity

as in internment

the act of confining or the state of being confined the wildlife refuge raises endangered species in captivity and then releases them into the wild

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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 captivity As Koschei the Deathless stirs from millennia-long captivity, powerful allies close in to reclaim the human lands. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 For the project, focused on ending the captivity of dolphins and whales in marine parks, Panettiere was photographed in a tiny bathtub. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 But as the episode closes out on another flash-forward to Joe’s captivity, we’re reminded that the plan of escape from this hellish timeline only throws her deeper into its clutches. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2026 Yet the former queen, now pregnant with a son, Maelor, fell into a deep despair in Rhaenyra’s captivity, a potential hostage in the Red Keep to draw out Aegon and ensure Alicent fulfills her mission. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for captivity

Recent Examples of Synonyms for captivity

Noun

Matsui’s response centered on her family’s history in a Japanese internment camp.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Some members of their extended family served in the military during World War II; others were sent to internment camps.

— Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of internment

Noun

Since my incarceration nearly six months ago, my metamorphosis has accelerated with new meaning.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Simply having charges filed can mean a job loss, losing custody of kids, incarceration for months or years waiting for a trial, financial hardship and stigma.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of incarceration

Noun

After being released from prison into in-home confinement in December, Shah has officially completed her federal sentence.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
After his original arrest by the Mokena Police Department, Alsaidi was ordered released on conditions of electronic monitoring and home confinement by Will County Judge Theodore Jarz.

— Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of confinement

Noun

Adan Osman Salat, 23, was sentenced to two years fixed and a possible 15 years on probation or in prison by 3rd District Judge Gabriel McCarthy, according to online court records and audio obtained by the Idaho Statesman.

— Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026
When the brothers arrived in court two days later, the jewel tones were ditched, and each wore a drab tan prison jumpsuit.

— Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of prison

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captivity

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“Captivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captivity. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of captivity

noun

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