DETENTION Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

detention

noun

di-ˈten-chən

Definition of detention

as in imprisonment

the state of being held in lawful custody he's been in detention since the arrest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in delay

an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business the detention at the airport security checkpoint was brief, but because he was running late, it caused him to miss his flight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 detention The detention of Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu on Thursday risks clouding Lusaka’s credentials as a relatively stable southern African democracy and denting investor confidence in Africa’s second-largest copper producer. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026 In Sunday’s interview, Ungaro mentioned her time in an ICE detention in Miami before being transferred to a detention center in Louisiana. — Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Opponents to the legislation have said imposing a tax on detention facilities would impede the activities of federal law enforcement officials. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Filling empty beds The national incarceration rate – which includes both jails, for short-term detention, and prisons, for sentences of more than a year – has more or less crept downward since 2010. — Ella Siegrist, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detention

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detention

Noun

Habeas corpus cases are challenges in federal court of detention or imprisonment.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
He was forced into exile for expressing and publishing his beliefs and endured imprisonment and torture.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of imprisonment

Noun

The watchdog warned that shipyard delays are expected to keep more submarines idle through 2030, creating additional costs and reducing the fleet’s operational capacity.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Due to high traffic, the website is experiencing some technical delays.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of delay

Noun

Since my incarceration nearly six months ago, my metamorphosis has accelerated with new meaning.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Simply having charges filed can mean a job loss, losing custody of kids, incarceration for months or years waiting for a trial, financial hardship and stigma.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of incarceration

Noun

The second-hand market, while lacking the personal touch some owners covet, can deliver the same craftsmanship as a new build without the years-long wait—or exorbitant price tag.

— Dea Jusufi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The Navy plans to use Pasadena as a training platform during the wait.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of wait

Browse Nearby Words

détentes

detention

detentions

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Style

“Detention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detention. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of detention

noun

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