Synonyms of incarcerate

incarcerate

verb

in-ˈkär-sə-ˌrāt 

as in to imprison

to put in or as if in prison

the state incarcerated over 1900 people last year

Synonyms & Similar Words

• imprison
• jail
• intern
• detain
• confine
• commit
• restrain
• arrest
• lock (up)
• immure
• catch
• restrict
• apprehend
• capture
• shut
• limit
• constrain
• jug
• seize
• gate
• bar
• keep
• bind
• impound
• impress
• hold
• nab
• pinch
• bust
• pick up
• enchain
• shackle
• handcuff
• fetter
• shanghai
• trammel
• manacle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liberate
• free
• release
• discharge
• emancipate
• enfranchise
• manumit
• unbind
• unchain
• unfetter
• uncage

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of incarcerate

Goodwill notes that 86 cents of every dollar spent goes toward job training, career coaching, and housing support for local veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, unhoused residents, and people with developmental disabilities. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 30 July 2026

Many of the people the organization serves are formerly incarcerated, a community that faces barriers to securing employment despite a desire to work. — Noelle Lilley, CBS News, 30 July 2026

The goal is to reduce violence, get people proper resources, and avoid the cycle of incarcerating people dealing with poverty, addiction, and mental health. — Scott Maucione, NPR, 27 July 2026

His team of three is on call to respond to shootings and the aftermath, including accompanying the accused to court and helping the formerly incarcerated find jobs when they are released. — Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026

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