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

This includes providing the Colombian military more leeway in the field, signing a new security agreement with Washington and building 10 mega-prisons that mimic Bukele’s network of penitentiaries in El Salvador. — Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026

The judge also said that attempted criminal homicide carries a possible sentence of 15 to 60 years in a Tennessee state penitentiary, the outlets reported. — Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026

In the early 1970s, the penitentiary remained poorly funded, and prison officials hoped to make money on the rodeo. — Arkansas Online, 9 May 2026

Local flavor The Idaho Botanical Garden is located next to the penitentiary and boasts more than 30 acres of gardens. — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026