prisoner of conscience

noun phrase

: someone who is held in prison because of his or her political or religious beliefs

Examples of prisoner of conscience in a Sentence

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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.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, designated him a prisoner of conscience, while Time magazine named him among the world’s 100 most influential people that year. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 20 July 2026 Among its more exciting recent releases is this novel, about a Cambridge University academic who is haunted by the story of his soft-spoken grandfather, who for 10 years was a prisoner of conscience in Vietnam. — Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 25 June 2025 The film delves into the theme of departure and aging as the globally renowned playwright is seen adding a new role – that of film director – to his past credits as prisoner of conscience, statesman and national reformer. — Will Tizard, Variety, 25 Oct. 2023 Historians and human rights activists, however, said that for decades, as Mandela languished as a prisoner of conscience, Buthelezi amplified his power with devious stratagems. — Robert D. McFadden, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Sep. 2023

Browse Nearby Words

prisoner at large
prisoner of conscience
prisoner of war
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prisoner of conscience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prisoner%20of%20conscience. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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