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lockup Synonyms

Another word for lockup

Choosing another word for lockup depends on context, so the 22 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 5 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A small, temporary jail or holding cell, typically at a local police station, where suspects are detained prior to a court appearance or transfer.

Usage Example

"The suspect spent the night in the station jail awaiting his morning arraignment."

Strongest
jail
Strong
cell
jailhouse
prison
clink
Weak
cooler
hoosegow
pokey

• noun (Context 2)

The act or process of locking up a building, facility, or inmates for the night, or the scheduled time at which this takes place.

Usage Example

"All visitors must exit the grounds thirty minutes before the evening lockdown."

Strong
lockdown
confinement
detention
Weak
curfew

• noun (Context 3)

A contractual restriction or designated period during which company insiders or investors are prohibited from selling or redeeming their shares, typically following an initial public offering.

Usage Example

"Company executives agreed to a six-month freeze after the initial public offering to reassure early investors."

Strong
freeze
Weak
moratorium
embargo

• noun (Context 4)

A small, secure garage, storage unit, or shop premise that is separate from a residence and can be locked when unattended.

Usage Example

"He rented a small garage near the railway arches to store his vintage motorcycle and tools."

Strong
garage
storeroom
Weak
storehouse

• noun (Context 5)

A condition in which a mechanical system, brake, or computer completely freezes and ceases to move or respond.

Usage Example

"Anti-lock braking systems are engineered to prevent wheel freeze on wet or icy pavement."

Strong
freeze
jam
seizure
deadlock
Weak
crash

Opposites of lockup

The opposite of lockup shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

release
See all opposites of lockup

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Lockup. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/lockup
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