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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in imprisonment
the state of being held in lawful custody
sentenced to six months of incarceration for dealing in narcotics
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of incarceration
Thirty-five years ago, Rosen founded Working Wardrobes, a nonprofit dedicated to giving people affected by domestic violence, homelessness, drug abuse, incarceration and many other barriers the clothing and tools to find employment and regain stability in their lives.
—
Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 16 May 2025
The legislation frames this as a possible alternative to incarceration or a full suspension of driving privileges.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 15 May 2025
Before the event, Serna said the goal was to make sure that women in custody know about the resources available to them both in the jail and after release to help break the cycle of incarceration.
—Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
Mothers in lockup have a different experience compared to those who aren’t behind bars, as incarceration can impact the emotional, physical, and psychological well-being of the mom and her baby, but luckily, programs of support are being established in jails, like Rikers Island’s Doula Program.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for incarceration
Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 16 May 2025
The legislation frames this as a possible alternative to incarceration or a full suspension of driving privileges.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 15 May 2025
Before the event, Serna said the goal was to make sure that women in custody know about the resources available to them both in the jail and after release to help break the cycle of incarceration.
—Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
Mothers in lockup have a different experience compared to those who aren’t behind bars, as incarceration can impact the emotional, physical, and psychological well-being of the mom and her baby, but luckily, programs of support are being established in jails, like Rikers Island’s Doula Program.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for incarceration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incarceration
Noun
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Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander arrives in Israel after being released from Gaza, where he was held in Hamas captivity for 19 months, May 12, 2025, Israel, Reim.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
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Since her escape, Colleen has attempted to live a normal life, though the impact of her captivity still remains with her.—
Makena Gera,
People.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
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In 1917, Woodrow Wilson used the act to curtail the activities and speech of German citizens, leading to the internment of more than 6000 Germans, though they were provided with a hearing.—
Richard Stengel,
Time,
23 May 2025
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The Trump administration justified the deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, a piece of legislation from 1798 that previously was used as defense for Japanese internment camps during World War II.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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He was scheduled to appear at a detention hearing Saturday.—
Deanese Williams-Harris,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2025
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Eleven former Republican members of the U.S. House and Senate denounced the felony charges filed against Rep. LaMonica McIver after her visit to a New Jersey immigrant detention facility earlier this month.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
Noun
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But Hoover will remain in prison, serving a 200-year sentence for his state court conviction for murder.—
Claire Malon,
Chicago Tribune,
31 May 2025
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After a guilty plea, Brown faces up to 20 years in prison.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Noun
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He was subsequently ordered to home confinement in April 2025.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
29 May 2025
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At least nine of the 25 arrested have landed in immigration detention — scattered across the country from a crowded lockup in Miami to a facility in a sleepy Texas railway town to a confinement in a Pacific Northwest port city overlooked by Mount Rainier.—
Hannah Critchfield,
Sun Sentinel,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Incarceration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incarceration. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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