Syllables    Synonyms    Rhymes    Quiz

penitentiary

How many syllables in penitentiary?

  5 syllables

Divide penitentiary into syllables:   pen-i-ten-tia-ry
Primary syllable stress:   pen-i-ten-tia-ry
Secondary syllable stress:   pen-i-ten-tia-ry
How to pronounce penitentiary:   pen-i-ten-sher-ee
How to say penitentiary:

Cite This Source

Bibliography Citations
MLA   |    APA   |   Chicago Manual Style
"penitentiary." HowManySyllables.com. How Many Syllables, n.d. Web. 14 June 2026.

Learn a New Word

Wondering why penitentiary is 5 syllables?   Contact Us!   We'll explain.

Syllable Rules

1.  What is a syllable?
2.  How to count syllables.
3.  How to divide into syllables.

More Grammar
Trending Words
Pop Quiz
How well can you
rhyme?
Take the Rhyme Quiz

Syllables    Synonyms    Rhymes    Quiz

Synonyms for penitentiary


1 syllable
  • jail
    2 syllables
    • prison
      3 syllables
        5 syllables
        • penal colony
        Teachers
        What can $250 do for your classroom?

        One prize is awarded to
        one teacher, every month.
        $Read the contest rules and apply
        Fun Fact
        Bookkeeper has three
        double letters:  oo, kk, ee
        !Get more facts
        FAQ
        Is "aren’t"
        1 or 2 syllables?
        ?Learn Here

        Syllables    Synonyms    Rhymes    Quiz

        What rhymes with penitentiary

        5 syllables
          6 syllables
          Ever Wonder
          when to say
          Was and Were?
          Learn Here

          Parents, Teachers, StudentsDo you have a grammar question?
          Need help finding a syllable count?
          Want to say thank you?

          Contact Us!