Synonyms of behind bars

behind bars

phrase

as in imprisoned

taken and held prisoner

The con artist was behind bars for printing fake checks.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of behind bars

In her interview with AP, Mohammadi — who has been jailed repeatedly over decades of advocating for human rights and was behind bars when she was awarded the Nobel Prize — described her most recent arrest, detention and health. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

In her interview with the AP, Mohammadi — who has been jailed repeatedly over decades of advocating for human rights and was behind bars when she was awarded the Nobel Prize — described her most recent arrest, detention and health. — Amir-Hussein Radjy, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026

Christopher Evans, 34, faces murder and child endangerment charges — and, if found to be guilty, life behind bars — in connection with the death of his newborn daughter, who died at a Cincinnati hospital in early September. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026

Nick Reiner is still fighting to get access to his family trust from behind bars. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026