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.

Jackson was arrested and later booked into jail on a $50,000 bond, according to jail records.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

He died in his jail cell the next month.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Riaz Wadood, 32, described in court as his "right-hand man", was handed a 23-year jail term.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

The single-room unit is a long way from perfect -- he says it has the air of a "jail cell" -- but it's a huge improvement on sleeping in his car.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

Going to school would be like being in jail!

From "I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964" by Lauren Tarshis

jail

Example Sentences

Related Words