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

Allan Hancock College spokesperson Lauren Milbourne said Wednesday afternoon that the college stood by its initial statement of the incident, which said the detainment took place in Parking Lot 2 of the campus. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

For Cazares, detainment created a pathway that otherwise would not have been available, said Peter Meinecke, senior staff attorney at The Resurrection Project. — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

Minnesota sought his extradition during his Texas detainment but Abbott refused to sign an extradition warrant. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

However, detainments by federal agents have continued in the area. — Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026

Hernandez’s lawyer declined to comment Thursday on his detainment. — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

The legislation came after Lee, Deluzio and Dean conducted visits to Moshannon Valley Processing Facility earlier this year, the Northeast's largest immigration detainment facility. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

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