What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
confining
Example
The prison cell was small and confining. [confining: adjective]
Example
Her injury left her feeling confined to her bed for weeks. [confined: past participle]
restricting
Example
The company has a restricting policy on social media use during work hours. [restricting: present participle]
Example
The fence around the property was very restricting and made it difficult to get in. [restricting: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Restricting is more commonly used than confining in everyday language. Restricting is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while confining is less common and refers to a more specific type of limitation or restriction.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between confining and restricting?
Both confining and restricting are formal words that can be used in academic or professional contexts.