Definitions

jail

[jeyl] / dʒeɪl /

NOUN

place for incarceration

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cell lockup penitentiary prison

STRONG

bastille brig bullpen can clink cooler dungeon inside jailhouse joint pen pound rack reformatory slammer solitary stir stockade

WEAK

black hole detention camp house of correction penal institution up the river

VERB

incarcerate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confine detain hold imprison lock up sentence take away

STRONG

bastille book cage can constrain immure impound prison railroad

WEAK

put away put behind bars put on ice send up throw away the keys throw in dungeon throw the book at

Antonyms

STRONGEST

free let go liberate release

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Epstein killed himself in a jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

It was previously both a religious site and a jail for political prisoners.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

He remains in jail and his case is next expected to be dealt with in September.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Jackson was arrested and later booked into jail on a $50,000 bond, according to jail records.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Every family, it seemed, had someone in jail, in a work camp, or in hiding.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom