as in patrols
a small military unit with a special task or function
the general sent a detachment ahead to scout the enemy's position
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Recent Examples of detachments
The Israeli military has amassed two major groups of armored vehicles in Sheikh Radwan, to the north of Gaza City, according to the imagery, with additional detachments of armored vehicles stationed along roads that lead toward Israel.
—
CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Although the much smaller Michino’o/Togitsu metal foundry detachments could not compete with the Ōhashi unit in terms of sheer noise and numbers, these girls were in high spirits this fine and yet‑too‑hot hot morning.
—Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Although the much smaller Michino’o/Togitsu metal foundry detachments could not compete with the Ōhashi unit in terms of sheer noise and numbers, these girls were in high spirits this fine and yet‑too‑hot hot morning.
—Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detachments
Noun
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In an escalation of hostilities against Venezuela, the Department of Defense has recently moved some ten thousand troops into the region, mostly to former military bases in Puerto Rico.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Last year, the federal government sent hundreds of troops to Michoacan to protect lime growers complaining of extortion threats.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
One’s impression is suddenly modified by the casual strength his handshake conveys, and rightly so, for beneath the elegant lines of his suit are hidden a hard body and the stamina of 10 battalions.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
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Avivi said that gathering information on Hamas terrorists and the organization’s structure has been an ongoing effort for years, including mapping platoons, companies, and battalions, as well as identifying commanders.—
Amelie Botbol,
FOXNews.com,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Throughout his career -- from commanding helicopter squadrons to leading Carrier Strike Group One and standing up the International Maritime Security Construct -- Admiral Holsey has demonstrated unwavering commitment to mission, people, and nation.—
Anne Flaherty,
ABC News,
16 Oct. 2025
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Instead, the $252 billion option would include additional Patriot missile batteries and air-control squadrons, dozens of new aircraft, and next-generation systems to defend against drone and cruise missile attacks on major population centers, military bases, and other key areas.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals – which went the full seven games – the two squads proved again that there was little to separate them as neither led by more than seven points in the 58-minute affair.—
Frank Nunns O'Connell 15 hr ago,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
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And that includes a second-quarter skirmish between the two squads that broke out after a late hit on Jets quarterback Justin Fields.—
Jordy Fee-Platt,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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One of the kids, an athletic-looking teenager named Ladislav, told me that 1654 is organized into platoons that train with Kraken commanders.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
19 Oct. 2025
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He and Pat were assigned to different platoons and rarely saw each other.—
Talia McWright,
Twin Cities,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Detachments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detachments. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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