Synonyms of detention

detention

noun

di-ˈten-chən 

1

as in imprisonment

the state of being held in lawful custody

he's been in detention since the arrest

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• release
• freedom
• liberation
• emancipation

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rush
• haste
• dispatch
• promptness
• promptitude

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of detention

The defendant, César Jáuregui, is being held in pretrial detention at a maximum-security prison for allegedly authorizing the agents’ participation in the operation. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Meloni also said the government would add new beds to detention facilities and judges to the juvenile justice system. — Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Settler violence and detentions by the Israeli military have been on the rise for years in the Palestinian territory, which is occupied by Israel. — Greg Dixon, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026

Court records indicate that the government’s request for temporary pretrial detention was granted, subject to reconsideration. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026