prisoner

Definition of prisonernext
as in captive
one that has been taken and held in confinement the prisoners were fed only bread and water twice a day

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 prisoner The Hessian mercenaries hired by the British to assist in the annihilation of the Continental Army were taking no prisoners. Paul Callahan, Baltimore Sun, 14 June 2026 Officials have decontaminated the facility’s inmate housing as a precaution and medical staff are monitoring prisoners and staff, The Mercury News reported. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 None may be related to the prisoner, victims or either of their relatives. Idaho Statesman, 12 June 2026 The men took Vallejo prisoner and declared California to be an independent republic. Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prisoner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prisoner
Noun
  • It is thought to be the only slave revolution in history where the former captives overthrew their rulers and went on to govern the country themselves.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 12 June 2026
  • On a day in mid-July, three men kidnapped a bus full of schoolchildren and forced their captives into an underground bunker where they were buried alive.
    James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Each aircraft launches autonomously, carries out reconnaissance and target acquisition tasks, then returns to the vehicle or installation for capture and recharging before the next sortie begins.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026
  • His capture ended years of open hostility between Washington and Caracas and opened the door to unprecedented security cooperation.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prisoner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prisoner. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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