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Showing results for detention. Search instead for detentio.
Definitions

detention

[dih-ten-shuhn] / dɪˈtɛn ʃən /
NOUN
confinement, imprisonment
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arrest custody delay incarceration internment quarantine
STRONG
apprehension bust detainment hindrance immurement impediment pen pickup pinch restraint retention withholding
WEAK
arrestation holding back holding pen keeping in nab time up the river
Antonyms
STRONG
aid assistance help
WEAK
freedom liberation release

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On Monday, Supreme Court spokesperson Arjun Prasad Koirala said that the petitions were dismissed but that the court had ordered authorities to complete the investigation without granting any additional extensions of detention.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

"Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris are free and on their way to France, after three and a half years in detention in Iran," the French president wrote on X.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

It is not the first time Steyer has faced criticism about the connection with private detention facilities.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Many of those people still languish in detention centers, while many more have already been deported.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

Imagine being given detention by your mother, and then having to ride home with her.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer