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

The firearm count could add at least five more years behind bars. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

In one case, an Illinois man was sentenced to three years behind bars after pleading guilty in Waukesha County to charges based on the new law. — Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2026

The jury did convict Rosado of driving under the influence and he was sentenced to five years in prison, but Rosado has been behind bars on a $2 million bail since 2021 so won't have to serve any additional time. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026

Mosteller will serve 19 months in prison, avoiding the maximum penalty of 15 years behind bars. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026