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

One week after his detention, his daughter, Maria Alejandra Betancur, spoke with CBS News Miami, showing her father's political asylum documents, work permit and other immigration paperwork. — Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 30 July 2026

Nationwide, Democratic lawmakers have been making surprise visits to ICE detention facilities after a federal judge ruled in March that the Department of Homeland Security cannot bar members of Congress from conducting unannounced inspections. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

Rojas Pliego’s attorney, Hugo Balderas-Ibarra, told CNN his client has to wear an ankle monitor and report to ICE regularly after his release from detention. — Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

Nearly 90% of the farmworkers surveyed feared detention and deportation. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026