Synonyms of penitentiary

penitentiary

noun

ˌpe-nə-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)rē 

as in prison

a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody

a sentence in the state penitentiary for robbery

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prison
• jail
• brig
• stockade
• jailhouse
• bridewell
• calaboose
• lockup
• pen
• coop
• slammer
• guardroom
• bastille
• hoosegow
• cage
• cooler
• big house
• hock
• pokey
• tolbooth
• jug
• dungeon
• clink
• cell
• joint
• tank
• quod
• can
• stir
• slam
• nick
• ward
• guardhouse
• bull pen
• gulag
• hold
• reformatory
• hole
• prison camp
• labor camp
• stalag
• concentration camp
• glasshouse
• block
• work camp
• oubliette
• reform school
• keep
• hulk(s)
• training school

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• outside

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of penitentiary

Now locked up in a state penitentiary near San Diego on unrelated charges, Knight hasn't changed his tune. — Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

One of her clients has gone MIA from the state penitentiary – but how can a man go missing in prison? — Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026

On this day in 1934, Alcatraz welcomed its first civilian prisoners, a group of 14 from the federal penitentiary on McNeil Island, Washington. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026

From 1873 to 1991, the island served as Costa Rica’s principal penitentiary, where some of the country’s worst criminals were sent to serve often short and torturous sentences. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 July 2026