Synonyms for

Inmates

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

Definition

Inmates refer to people who are confined in a prison, hospital, or other institution.

Synonyms & similar words

inmate inpatient con outpatient convict yardbird prisoners convicts detainees captives inhabitants residents patients in-patients wards occupants boarders lodgers guests interns prizefighters pugilists boxers fighters combatants opponents

Synonyms by register

Formal

detainees prisoners convicts incarcerated individuals

Informal

jailbirds cons prisoners

Literary

denizens of the cell captives

Antonyms

free people citizens outsiders non-prisoners civilians the public

Common collocations

  • prison inmates
  • inmates of the prison
  • female inmates
  • male inmates
  • inmates rights
  • inmates population
  • former inmates

Word family

noun inmate
verb inmate
adjective inmate

Usage note

While 'inmate' can refer to anyone confined in a prison, jail, or similar institution, it is also used for residents of hospitals or asylums. It is generally considered a neutral term, but can sometimes carry a negative connotation.

Example sentences

  1. The inmates were served breakfast at 7 am.
  2. The inmates were allowed to watch TV for one hour a day.
  3. The inmates were punished for breaking the rules.
  4. The inmates were given new uniforms.
  5. The inmates were transferred to a new prison.

Quotes

  • I always visit the inmates during the holidays. It's the least I can do for them. - John Legend
  • I don't like to use the word 'inmates' because I don't like to dehumanize people. - Piper Kerman
  • Inmates are real people, and they are not defined solely by their crimes. - Piper Kerman

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words