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Definitions

jail

[jeyl] / dʒeɪl /
NOUN
place for incarceration
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cell lockup penitentiary prison
STRONG
bastille brig bullpen can clink cooler dungeon inside jailhouse joint pen pound rack reformatory slammer solitary stir stockade
WEAK
black hole detention camp house of correction penal institution up the river
VERB
incarcerate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
confine detain hold imprison lock up sentence take away
STRONG
bastille book cage can constrain immure impound prison railroad
WEAK
put away put behind bars put on ice send up throw away the keys throw in dungeon throw the book at
Antonyms
STRONGEST
free let go liberate release

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Thoreau spent a night in jail for refusing to pay a poll tax, objecting to slavery and the Mexican War.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

The British-Gambian musician said he spent a lot of his time in jail writing, adding that while he was physically imprisoned, his mind remained free, describing freedom as a "responsibility".

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

In the intervening weeks, he held interviews and wrote letters from his jail cell, denouncing slavery and captivating the country with his dedication and resolve.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026

He was sentenced to a year of mental health counseling and jail time as a result.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Jack asked, taking a quick look around his jail cell.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.