Synonyms of detainment

detainment

noun

1

as in delay

an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business

the returning vacationers' detainment at the border only lasted a few minutes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rush
• haste
• dispatch
• promptness
• promptitude

2

as in detention

the state of being held in lawful custody

she'll be kept in detainment until the trial if she can't post bail

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• release
• freedom
• liberation
• emancipation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of detainment

Xinjiang is home to many Uyghurs, a Muslim minority that the Chinese government has subjected to surveillance, forced labor and detainment in concentration camps. — Hailey Wang, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

In June, Brittney and Cherelle opened up to PEOPLE about how Brittney’s detainment derailed their plans of starting a family. — Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026

Forbes removed Prince Alwaleed from its billionaire ranks in 2018 following his monthslong detainment by the Saudi government in 2017, before he and other Saudis were included again in 2025. — Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Abu Safiya also had his eyeglasses confiscated during his detainment and since been experiencing vision issues, according to Abbas. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 20 June 2026

Chicagoans blew whistles and filmed detainments while immigration agents patrolled neighborhoods with military-grade weapons as part of Operation Midway Blitz. — Alex Poppe, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026

Deputies said Appleberry resisted arrest and later spit blood on medical personnel as he was being treated in detainment. — Sacbee.com, 8 June 2026

The detainments would also be very temporary, would only be during the building's office hours, and no one would be detained overnight. — Dennis Valera, CBS News, 3 June 2026

During the 150-day detainment, Dabrio Marrero went from Newark, New Jersey, to Arizona, to Texas, to Alligator Alcatraz in Florida and eventually to Adams County Correctional Center in Natchez, Mississippi, where he was ultimately released on April 23. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 6 May 2026