Synonyms of incarceration

incarceration

noun

(ˌ)in-ˌkär-sə-ˈrā-shən 

1

as in captivity

the act of confining or the state of being confined

he was bored and frustrated by his incarceration in the quarantine

Synonyms & Similar Words

• captivity
• internment
• imprisonment
• prison
• confinement
• impoundment
• servitude
• enslavement
• immurement
• bondage
• custody
• arrest
• restriction
• capture
• detention
• restraint
• entrapment
• house arrest
• detainer
• detainment

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• release
• liberation
• redemption
• emancipation
• freedom
• liberty
• manumission
• independence

2

as in imprisonment

the state of being held in lawful custody

sentenced to six months of incarceration for dealing in narcotics

Synonyms & Similar Words

• imprisonment
• detention
• captivity
• confinement
• internment
• detainer
• detainment
• arrest
• immurement
• hold
• seizure
• collar
• capture
• apprehension
• restraint
• entrapment
• arrestment
• pinch
• bust
• enchainment

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• release
• freedom
• liberation
• emancipation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of incarceration

The state did not coerce confessions from Allen during his incarceration. — Jenny Porter Tilley, IndyStar, 21 Sep. 2026

His bond was set at $5,000, and he was ordered to be placed on a home incarceration program once his bond is met. — Stephanie Kuzydym, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2026

The type of purge now synonymous with the actions of Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union aims at eliminating someone from the party, whether through incarceration, exile, or death. — Andrew Mertha, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026

The nonprofit God's Pantry in Pomona serves around 10,000 families monthly, while nearly all of its staff have overcome homelessness, addiction, gangs, or incarceration. — Rina Nakano, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026