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

Human rights advocates have also welcomed Jin’s release but cautioned that many members of Zion Church still remain behind bars. — Elmira Aliieva, NBC news, 5 July 2026

Buyer and Marquez said it’s designed to keep the billions of shares behind bars from flooding the market all at once. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 3 July 2026

Seven more protesters sentenced to prison in Fort Worth for a July 4 shooting outside Prairieland immigration detention center, adding to a growing roster facing decades behind bars. — Jamie Stengle, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

With guidelines offering literally decades behind bars as an option, the still Jay Clayton-run SDNY had wanted to see Rinsch get a minimum of 60 months, or just over five years, for his crimes. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 29 June 2026