Find Synonyms

detention Synonyms

Another word for detention

Choosing another word for detention depends on context, so the 14 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A disciplinary punishment in which a student is required to remain at school outside of regular hours, such as after classes or during a break.

Usage Example

"The teacher gave him an hour of punishment on Friday afternoon for repeatedly arriving late to class."

Strong
punishment
Weak
penalty

• noun (Context 2)

The action of detaining someone or the state of being detained in official custody, especially prior to a trial or for questioning.

Usage Example

"The defense attorney challenged the legality of the suspect's prolonged custody without formal charges."

Strongest
custody
confinement
Strong
imprisonment
incarceration
internment
captivity
restraint

• noun (Context 3)

The withholding or delaying of property, goods, or funds belonging to another party, or the delay of a vessel in port beyond the agreed laytime.

Usage Example

"The shipping company incurred heavy financial penalties due to the unexpected withholding of the cargo vessel at the port."

Strongest
withholding
Strong
retention
impoundment
delay
hold-up

Opposites of detention

The opposite of detention shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

release
liberation
dismissal
restitution
freedom
return
discharge
dispatch
See all opposites of detention

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Detention. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/detention
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