1
as in imprisonment
the state of being held in lawful custody
he's been in detention since the arrest
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of detention
Unlike her previous detention, when she was permitted to reside at home and allowed some communication with family, she is now imprisoned in an unknown location.
—
Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
He was arrested on suspicion of evading arrest or detention with a vehicle.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2025
Her fears echo reports from Human Rights Watch and the human-rights group Foro Penal, which document hundreds of arbitrary detentions and disappearances.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
According to that detention motion and the indictment, the scheme involved three phases.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detention
Kim Aris, Time, 7 Nov. 2025
He was arrested on suspicion of evading arrest or detention with a vehicle.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2025
Her fears echo reports from Human Rights Watch and the human-rights group Foro Penal, which document hundreds of arbitrary detentions and disappearances.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
According to that detention motion and the indictment, the scheme involved three phases.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for detention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detention
Noun
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The charges carry a maximum penalty of 68 months’ imprisonment and $200,000 in fines.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Was Hsieh’s self-imprisonment a statement on mass incarceration or prison reform?—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Flyers should try to mitigate any headaches from delays and cancellations by avoiding booking flights with layovers, the non-profit US Public Interest Research Group says, and opt to make reservations directly with the airline rather than a third-party website.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
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Carriers are required to refund customers whose flights are canceled but not to cover costs such as food and hotels unless a delay or cancellation results from a factor within the control of the airlines, according to the Department of Transportation.—
JOSH FUNK,
Arkansas Online,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The mass arrests in 1909 are an early example of police tactics that contribute to the disproportionate incarceration of Black people, a trend that continues today.—
Equal Justice Initiative,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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Kitzing’s brother wrote to them throughout their incarceration, according to historical records.—
Kate Sosin,
Them.,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Get live security wait times, so you’re not stuck in a five‑hour shuffle line that’s already happening.—
The Kim Komando Show,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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While orders come with a four to seven week wait time, the process is highly personalized.—
Andre Claudio,
Sourcing Journal,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Detention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detention. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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