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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of detainment
Anxiety is high among stadium workers, who are concerned about the threat of ICE detainment, regardless of their immigration status.
—
Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Juan and Donovan’s relationship was interrupted by his detainment early on, so their evidence wasn’t as easy.
—Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Petersen said that the government has argued that Rihan’s detainment was based on a computer system error about when his humanitarian parole status will expire.
—Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
Schlenker says the initial detainment has turned into a months-long legal battle overseas and there is no clear sign of returning home.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Among them are fears of border detainment and gun violence.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026
Immigration sweeps peaked in Orange County’s most populous city last summer with at least 30 detainments between mid-June and mid-September, including when federal officers descended several times on car washes and a Home Depot, ending in several deportations.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
Her supporters, including Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, a family friend, decried her alleged detainment, and her story sparked outcry and protests.
—Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
His detainment followed interim President Delcy Rodríguez’s decision to elevate the agency’s longtime chief to defense minister.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Juan and Donovan’s relationship was interrupted by his detainment early on, so their evidence wasn’t as easy.
—Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Petersen said that the government has argued that Rihan’s detainment was based on a computer system error about when his humanitarian parole status will expire.
—Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026
Schlenker says the initial detainment has turned into a months-long legal battle overseas and there is no clear sign of returning home.
—Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Among them are fears of border detainment and gun violence.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026
Immigration sweeps peaked in Orange County’s most populous city last summer with at least 30 detainments between mid-June and mid-September, including when federal officers descended several times on car washes and a Home Depot, ending in several deportations.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
Her supporters, including Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, a family friend, decried her alleged detainment, and her story sparked outcry and protests.
—Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
His detainment followed interim President Delcy Rodríguez’s decision to elevate the agency’s longtime chief to defense minister.
—Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 26 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detainment
Noun
-
According to The Tennessean, trainers from both teams rushed out to assist Kennedy, and that caused a 15-minute delay in the game.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2026
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Two batters into the top of the sixth, a sudden, aggressive rain began pouring down on Citizens Bank Park, prompting a brisk 24-minute delay.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Noun
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The ruling questions the disparity between immigration laws that call for the detention of migrants with consistent actions of Congress in funding detention space for just a fraction of those who might be held during deportation proceedings.—
Rebecca Beitsch,
The Hill,
28 Apr. 2026
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Burke has repeatedly remarked that her office asks for detention if prosecutors believe someone is a danger to public safety.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Tables turn quickly even with 20 parties ahead of you — about a 20-minute wait.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Insurance coverage for mental illnesses further complicates the problem of consistent care because the number of visits to mental health professionals are usually limited, and there are often long waits to see providers.—
Jeffrey Freedman,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Eldan's organization worked with a state senator to help write and pass a law in Delaware that provides compensation for wrongful imprisonment, as well as a stipend and help with housing, food benefits, and health and dental insurance.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
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Prominent Polish journalist Andrzej Poczobut was freed Tuesday in a 10-person prisoner swap involving Belarus and Poland, ending his eight-year imprisonment.—
Claudia Ciobanu,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
While the median home price in the Baltimore area is around $360,000, the median asset wealth for a Black family in the city unaffected by incarceration is approximately $2,700.—
Izabela Engel,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2026
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Another challenge came in the form of how to describe three and a half years, beginning in March 1942, that Mirikitani spent at the Tule Lake incarceration camp in Northern California, alongside thousands of other Japanese American citizens.—
Tessa Solomon,
ARTnews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detainment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detainment. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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