Synonyms of incarcerated

incarcerated 1 of 2

adjective

in-ˈkär-sə-ˌrā-təd 

as in imprisoned

taken and held prisoner

incarcerated residents of that state are still allowed to vote in elections

Synonyms & Similar Words

• imprisoned
• arrested
• captive
• jailed
• captured
• interned
• confined
• kidnapped
• caught
• apprehended
• enslaved
• behind bars
• trapped
• abducted
• bound
• indentured
• occupied
• subjugated
• subdued
• ensnared

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• free
• unconfined
• unrestrained
• released
• liberated
• freed
• emancipated
• delivered
• paroled
• enfranchised

incarcerated

2 of 2

verb

past tense of incarcerate

as in jailed

to put in or as if in prison

the state incarcerated over 1900 people last year

Synonyms & Similar Words

• imprisoned
• jailed
• interned
• confined
• detained
• arrested
• committed
• locked (up)
• restrained
• immured
• caught
• jugged
• captured
• apprehended
• restricted
• limited
• shut
• constrained
• seized
• barred
• gated
• bound
• impounded
• impressed
• held
• kept
• handcuffed
• shackled
• pinched
• busted
• nabbed
• fettered
• shanghaied
• manacled
• picked up
• enchained
• trammeled

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liberated
• freed
• discharged
• released
• emancipated
• enfranchised
• manumitted
• unbound
• uncaged
• unchained
• unfettered

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of incarcerated

Adjective

In one case reviewed by The Marshall Project, an incarcerated man reported being pepper-sprayed, choked, beaten with a baton and repeatedly called racial slurs by Kentucky officers who were later convicted. — Christie Thompson, NPR, 13 July 2026

Pojmann said the department does not maintain reliable current data on how many incarcerated people identify as transgender or seek gender-affirming treatment. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026

Verb

Colloff and O’Meara talk about preparing for interviews, how thoughtful reportage can effect real change, and learning from the perspectives of incarcerated and exonerated people. — Longreads, 23 July 2026

Elevated risk of death after incarceration For decades, federal Medicaid dollars were prohibited from paying for most health care provided to people while they were incarcerated. — Julie Wernau, NPR, 22 July 2026