BEHIND BARS Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

behind bars

phrase

Definition of behind bars

as in imprisoned

taken and held prisoner The con artist was behind bars for printing fake checks.

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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.

Recent Examples of behind bars Prosecutors described the brothers as flight risks who exaggerate, lie under oath and should remain behind bars. — Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026 Research shows providing medications for opioid use disorder behind bars reduces recidivism and overdose deaths. — Aneri Pattani — Kff Health News, STAT, 27 Aug. 2026 If found guilty, John-Paul could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for cyberstalking and two years behind bars for making false statements, plus a fine of up to $250,000. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026 Also called La Eme, the Mexican Mafia is a group of about 140 men who oversee Latino gang members behind bars and on the streets of Southern California. — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for behind bars

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behind

behind bars

behindhand

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“Behind bars.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behind%20bars. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of behind bars

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