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Showing results for jail.
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.

If Mr. Lai could speak from his solitary-confinement jail cell, he would likely express little surprise.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

BBC Scotland News understands McCulloch has been found guilty of additional charges over illegal use of a mobile phone – however he will ultimately not spend any longer in jail as a result.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

He was arrested by the local sheriff and spent one night in jail, leaving only because “some one interfered, and paid the tax,” he wrote.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Epstein died in a Manhattan federal jail while awaiting trial.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Despite Mother’s “get out of jail free” card, she was still determined to climb the wall and hack into the company’s mainframe.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti