incarcerate

verb

in-ˈkär-sə-ˌrāt How to pronounce incarcerate (audio)
Definition of incarceratenext
as in to imprison
to put in or as if in prison the state incarcerated over 1900 people last year

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 incarcerate He was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder and 25 years for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and is currently incarcerated at Tennessee's Northwest Correctional Complex. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Aside from Nick, who is currently incarcerated, Rob and Michele left behind son Jake and daughter Romy. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Oct. 2026 In some states, people who were convicted of a felony or are currently incarcerated are also restricted from voting. — Time Staff, Time, 3 Oct. 2026 One person was allegedly able to gamble $2,400 while incarcerated under Troutman’s watch. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incarcerate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incarcerate
  1. imprison
  2. jail
Verb
  • Jair Bolsonaro is imprisoned in connection with this case, while his son has pledged to grant him amnesty as his first act in office.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In 1824, the British lockmaker Charles Chubb challenged a burglar, who was imprisoned on a ship, to open one of his toughest locks.
    — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of imprison
Verb
  • Americans in the nation's early days could be jailed for failing to repay debts — and some argue that debtors' prisons persist.
    — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Davis anti-transgender activist and school board candidate Beth Bourne was briefly jailed on trespassing charges Tuesday after her arrest outside a Sonoma high school, the Sonoma newspaper reported.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of jail

Browse Nearby Words

incapacity
incarcerate
incarcerated
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Cite this Entry

“Incarcerate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incarcerate. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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