Synonyms of detention

detention

noun

di-ˈten-chən 

1

as in imprisonment

the state of being held in lawful custody

he's been in detention since the arrest

Synonyms & Similar Words

• imprisonment
• incarceration
• captivity
• confinement
• internment
• detainment
• detainer
• arrest
• hold
• immurement
• seizure
• apprehension
• collar
• capture
• restraint
• arrestment
• entrapment
• pinch
• bust
• enchainment

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• release
• freedom
• liberation
• emancipation

2

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

• delay
• wait
• holdup
• detainment
• postponement
• deferral
• deferment
• setback
• respite
• holding pattern
• pause
• hesitation
• holdback
• lag
• slowdown
• reprieve
• foot-dragging

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rush
• haste
• dispatch
• promptness
• promptitude

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of detention

The 67-year-old has multiple chronic health conditions, and developed a urinary tract infection while in ICE detention. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

His lawyers say he was tortured into confessing and argue his detention targeted his advocacy for Palestinian rights. — Cybele Mayes-Osterman, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

His attorney has said Garces-Perez remains seriously ill and has a bullet lodged in his body while being held at an ICE detention facility. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

In its rush to expand detention capacity, ICE wasted millions of taxpayer dollars, the Government Accountability Office found in a report released Thursday. — Julia Ingram, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026