Synonyms for

Penitentiary

Verb / ˌpenɪˈtentʃɜ:i: / Another word for penitentiary — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a prison for people convicted of serious crimes

Synonyms & similar words

pen penitential prison jail lockup clink slammer gaol brig cooler can joint hoosegow reformatory stir

Example sentences

  1. The penitentiary is a place where people who do bad things are sent to be punished.
  2. The penitentiary is a scary place because you can't leave until your punishment is over.
  3. The penitentiary has tall walls and guards to keep the prisoners inside.
  4. The penitentiary is not a fun place to be.
  5. Some people are afraid of going to the penitentiary because they don't know what will happen to them.

Quotes

  • I went to jail for 11 days for disturbing the peace; I was trying to disturb the war. - Joan Baez
  • I never rob. I never steal. But if I gotta hit a man with a brick to protect myself, I'll do it. - Muhammad Ali
  • In prison, those things withheld from and denied to the prisoner become precisely what he wants most of all. - Eldridge Cleaver

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