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Definitions

prisoner

[priz-uh-ner, priz-ner] / ˈprɪz ə nər, ˈprɪz nər /
NOUN
person jailed for crime; person kept against his or her will
Synonyms
STRONGEST
captive convict detainee hostage
STRONG
con culprit internee jailbird lag lifer loser tough yardbird
WEAK
chain gang member

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.

It is the second time this year that Cuba has announced a prisoner release.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

The alleged TdA members were later transferred from El Salvador to Venezuela in a prisoner swap.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Directed by Bille August, this ‘Masterpiece’ adaptation of the Alexandre Dumas classic stars Sam Claflin as the wronged seaman and Jeremy Irons as his friend and fellow prisoner.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

The prisoner is taller and bigger than him, with a thick black beard and long hair.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

Peter Burger, on the other hand, was a model prisoner.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

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