detention

noun

di-ˈten-chən How to pronounce detention (audio)
Definition of detentionnext
1
as in imprisonment
the state of being held in lawful custody he's been in detention since the arrest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of detention This is the second time the administration has abruptly emptied the detention site, with officials on Feb. 20 removing 177 Venezuelans flown in from the United States, with the men repatriated to the custody of their home government. — Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025 As the party responsible for our detention facilities and inmates, Sheriff Martinez has every right to use the laws available to that position as most benefits our residents. — Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025 While Homan was up in Albany, lawyers for the federal government were in Manhattan Federal Court defending immigration authorities’ detention of Columbia University graduate student and green card holder Mahmoud Khalil based on his political views regarding the conflict in Gaza. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2025 His detention has sparked national student protests around the country. — Russell Contreras, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detention
  1. delay
  2. incarceration
  3. wait
Noun
  • Many brands still use spreadsheets, emails and phone calls to manage some aspects of logistics, leading to inefficiencies and delays.
    — Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Staff reductions of this magnitude risk prolonging processing delays and increasing wait times for taxpayer support—disproportionately harming working families who rely on prompt refunds and accessible services.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of delay
Noun
  • My experience with Colorado law tells me this legislation will benefit both public safety and justice by ensuring that our law enforcement resources and taxpayer dollars are not wasted on unnecessary incarceration.
    — Jay Fisher, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
  • One of the key purposes of incarceration—aside from accountability—is to prepare individuals for their return to society.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of incarceration
Noun
  • Even Millie Bobby Brown, in a joke interview with her 2024 self, mentioned the long wait.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2025
  • That goal looked to be within touching distance as six birdies saw Walker arrive at the 17th tee on Friday at four-under par for the second round, only for two closing bogeys to bring on an anxious wait to see if one-under par overall would be enough to squeeze through.
    — Jack Bantock, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of wait

Browse Nearby Words

détentes
detention
detentions
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detention. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on detention

Nglish: Translation of detention for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about detention

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
burrowing owl athene cunicularia tilts its head outside its burrow on marco island florida
Guess the Curious Origins of These Everyday Words Oh, that’s where that comes from…
See All