internment

noun

in-ˈtərn-mənt How to pronounce internment (audio)
Definition of internmentnext
as in captivity
the act of confining or the state of being confined the internment of Americans of Japanese descent during World War II is one of the more shameful chapters in United States history

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of internment Aliens land in Johannesburg in 1982 seeking refuge, but instead they're crammed into an internment camp called District 9. — Grace Dean, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Some members of their extended family served in the military during World War II; others were sent to internment camps. — Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026 The facility is the country's largest detention center, which sits on land formerly used for Japanese-American internment camps during World War II. — Catherine Bouvet, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 While the boys were raised in Hiroshima, their parents and new baby brother were sent to an internment camp in Poston, Arizona, as the fighting continued. — Rina Nakano, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for internment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for internment
  1. captivity
  2. incarceration
  3. imprisonment
  4. confinement
  5. prison
Noun
  • The discussions focused largely on prisoner exchanges, civilians and children held in captivity, and security guarantees, as the two sides remain far apart on territory and NATO.
    — Bassam Hatoum, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Rama soon learns that the people of Ayodhya are raising questions about Sita’s chastity after her captivity in Lanka and criticizing him for taking her back.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of captivity
Noun
  • Looking back, Williams talks about incarceration as her way out.
    — Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The budgeting of Care First, Community Investments (CFCI) must equal 10% of untethered general fund dollars each year for alternatives to incarceration, such as mental health and substance abuse treatment and housing placements.
    — Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of incarceration
Noun
  • What readers are saying The comments reflect a strong sentiment against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with many expressing hope for his removal from power and potential imprisonment.
    — Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026
  • During his imprisonment, al-Sakani was separated from his wife, Iman, and their 3-year-old daughter, Misk.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of imprisonment
Noun
  • The cage-free adoption and medical facility was designed to maximize socialization and lessen any stress on the animals by eliminating confinement.
    — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The Miami Correctional Facility, however, is the only detention center located inside an active state prison designed for punitive confinement.
    — Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of confinement
Noun
  • He was handcuffed and taken to prison, a cell the size of a closet and where an orange plastic bucket would serve as his toilet.
    — Mark Kennedy, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Maxwell is the only associate of Epstein to be charged with a crime and sentenced to prison.
    — Ava Berger, NPR, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of prison

Browse Nearby Words

internists
internment
internments
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Cite this Entry

“Internment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/internment. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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