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

The detentions by immigration authorities of several Haitian pastors, most recently a pastor in Springfield, Ohio, who was on the path towards a legal status, is also creating more fear in Florida’s Haitian community, Felix said. — Lauren Costantino september 19, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026

That has driven up detentions for people with pending asylum claims and green card holders with minor infractions to their names. — Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2026

Vucic has pushed back hard against the protesters, sparking international concern over police violence and arbitrary detentions. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

Little Village's Mexican Independence Parade did go on as planned last year, with no issue and much celebration, but some spectators said attendance was down because of fears regarding immigration raids and ICE detentions. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

Vucic has pushed hard against the protesters, sparking international concern over police violence and arbitrary detentions. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Operation Midway Blitz saw a significant rise in the average daily number of detentions. — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

In 2025, the total jumped to at least 39 arrests, and that number is dwarfed by at least 77 detentions at airports just in July of 2026. — Shimon Prokupecz, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

That is consistent with recent data released showing that an increasing percentage of all ICE detentions involve people with no criminal record or charges. — Mario Ariza, ProPublica, 27 Aug. 2026