bridewell

noun

ˈbrīd-ˌwel How to pronounce bridewell (audio)
Definition of bridewellnext
as in jail
a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody the citadel was later converted into a bridewell to house the city's growing criminal population

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bridewell
  1. jail
  2. penitentiary
  3. prison
Noun
  • As an alternative to jail time, the federal prosecutors suggested a year of probation, 100 hours of community service and a $1,000 fine.
    — Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026
  • With O’Hare at the helm, the county has redistricted, gone from meeting four times to once a month, privatized rent and utility assistance, reduced the number of polling locations, and seen a steady stream of jail inmate deaths continue.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of jail
Noun
  • Ker’Sean Ramey, 41, is set to die by lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • LeJames Norman, 40, was put to death by lethal injection Wednesday at the state penitentiary in Huntsville.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of penitentiary
Noun
  • Ortega had additionally been sentenced, in September 2025, for in-prison possession and manufacture of a deadly weapon, according to the news release.
    — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Vorcaro is currently in prison, accused of multi-million financial fraud.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of prison
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

brides
bridewell
bridewells
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Cite this Entry

“Bridewell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bridewell. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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