Synonyms of detentions

detentions

noun

plural of detention

1

as in imprisonments

the state of being held in lawful custody

he's been in detention since the arrest

Synonyms & Similar Words

• imprisonments
• incarcerations
• captivities
• detainments
• internments
• detainers
• confinements
• arrests
• seizures
• apprehensions
• restraints
• holds
• immurements
• collars
• pinches
• entrapments
• captures
• arrestments
• busts
• enchainments

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharges
• releases
• freedoms
• liberations
• emancipations

2

as in delays

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

• delays
• waits
• detainments
• holdups
• postponements
• pauses
• respites
• deferrals
• deferments
• holding patterns
• hesitations
• setbacks
• holdbacks
• lags
• slowdowns
• reprieves
• foot-draggings

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rushes
• dispatches
• hastes
• promptitudes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of detentions

His protests and hunger strikes were a source of frustration to officials and led to multiple detentions. — Patrick Oppmann, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Iran did not immediately acknowledge the release, and her case was not publicly known, as sometimes happens with detentions in the Islamic Republic. — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

The labor shortage in the Palm Beach County healthcare sector has been severely impacted by immigration detentions. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2026

As the detentions accelerated, United We Dream began tracking them. — Lauren Villagran, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

In a statement on Thursday, Human Rights Watch also criticized the detentions and urged NATO to ensure that basic democratic rights are respected during the summit. — ABC News, 25 June 2026

Immigration authorities say the detentions of a Somali referee and two Iraqi national team members were part of routine vetting. — Sammy Westfall, Washington Post, 9 June 2026

More recently, Morello joined demonstrations outside Manhattan’s immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza alongside the organization Hands Off NYC, protesting ICE policies and detentions. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 29 May 2026