Synonyms for

Inmate

Verb / ˈɪˌnmeɪt / Another word for inmate — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a person who is confined to a prison, hospital, or institution

Synonyms & similar words

outpatient yardbird con inpatient convict prisoner convict detainee patient resident occupant guest inhabitant boarder lodger tenant in-patient restrict restrain jailbird felon offender lawbreaker wrongdoer culprit

Synonyms by register

Formal

detainee prisoner convict custodian

Informal

jailbird lag con lifer

Literary

captive dungeon dweller

Antonyms

free person citizen outsider civilian non-prisoner member of society

Common collocations

  • prison inmate
  • female inmate
  • male inmate
  • juvenile inmate
  • inmate population
  • inmate rights
  • inmate labor
  • inmate welfare

Word family

noun inmate

Usage note

The word 'inmate' specifically refers to a person confined in a prison or other institution. It is generally considered a neutral term, though some may prefer 'prisoner' or 'detainee'.

Example sentences

  1. The inmate had a lot of time to think about his actions while in prison.
  2. The hospital inmate was released after a successful surgery.
  3. The institution inmate was able to participate in various activities.
  4. The inmate was visited by his family every week.
  5. The prison guards kept a close eye on the inmates.

Quotes

  • 'I'm not an inmate,' I said. 'I'm a journalist.'
  • 'The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members, like inmates.' - Mahatma Gandhi
  • 'I've been in prison more than I've been out,' the inmate said.

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