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prisonlike

American  
[priz-uhn-lahyk] / ˈprɪz ənˌlaɪk /

adjective

  1. resembling a prison, such as in architecture, ambience, or level of restriction.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

KAMPALA, Uganda—Fifteen migrants the U.S. deported to Cameroon in recent weeks are being held in prisonlike conditions at a secret detention facility, according to lawyers for some of the deportees.

From The Wall Street Journal Feb. 20, 2026

“My goal is to lead everybody to more open and accessible schools, instead of prisonlike spaces,” the architect says.

From Slate Aug. 27, 2019

Advocates fear the plan could put patients in prisonlike conditions, and that staff could feel less motivated to treat them if they can be isolated quickly.

From Washington Times Jan. 22, 2015

But the secrecy of the project has sometimes created a prisonlike environment.

From New York Times May 15, 2011

The spacious room was far from the prisonlike image his aunt Virginia had painted for him.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore

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