Find Synonyms

captive Synonyms

Another word for captive

Choosing another word for captive depends on context, so the 16 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
JUMP TO:

• adjective (Context 1)

Imprisoned, confined, or kept under restraint without the freedom to leave.

Usage Example

"The wildlife sanctuary works to rehabilitate imprisoned bears so they can return to their natural habitat."

Strongest
imprisoned
confined
Strong
caged
incarcerated
detained
enslaved
fettered

• noun (Context 2)

A person or animal that has been taken prisoner or is kept in confinement.

Usage Example

"Historical records describe how the royal captives were eventually released after a peace treaty was signed."

Strongest
prisoner
hostage
Strong
detainee
inmate
internee
convict

• adjective (Context 3)

Unable to avoid listening to, watching, or buying something because of the circumstances (especially of an audience or market).

Usage Example

"Stuck on the delayed train for two hours, the commuters formed a restricted audience for the street musician."

Strong
restricted
bound
controlled

Opposites of captive

The opposite of captive shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

free
captor
wild
unconfined
jailer
at large
liberated
freeman
See all opposites of captive

• Nearby Words

captivating
captivatingly
captivation
captive
captivity
captor
capturable

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Captive. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/captive
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.