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 number of people detained by ICE increased by 58% – or more than 25,000 people – between 2025 and 2026, according to the Prison Policy Initiative, which advocates to end mass incarceration. — Ella Siegrist, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026

The rise in inmate deaths does correlate with rising incarceration rates. — Tj Rhodes, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 28 Aug. 2026

The death of an incarceration woman at a Connecticut correctional facility is under investigation. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 27 Aug. 2026

Many argued that the money should instead be reinvested in the programs that prevent crime and incarceration, support low-income people and aid those leaving jail with re-entry efforts. — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026