as in patrols
a small military unit with a special task or function
the general sent a detachment ahead to scout the enemy's position
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 detachments
The Israeli military has amassed two major groups of armored vehicles in Sheikh Radwan, to the north of Gaza City, according to the imagery, with additional detachments of armored vehicles stationed along roads that lead toward Israel.
—
CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Although the much smaller Michino’o/Togitsu metal foundry detachments could not compete with the Ōhashi unit in terms of sheer noise and numbers, these girls were in high spirits this fine and yet‑too‑hot hot morning.
—Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Although the much smaller Michino’o/Togitsu metal foundry detachments could not compete with the Ōhashi unit in terms of sheer noise and numbers, these girls were in high spirits this fine and yet‑too‑hot hot morning.
—Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detachments
Noun
-
On Tuesday, it was reported that Indian troops had joined a military drill with Russian and Belarusian forces near Minsk, days after Russian drones entered Polish and Romanian airspace.—
Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Last week’s Russian drone incursion into NATO member Poland drew strong condemnation from European NATO allies, and pledges of more planes and troops for the bloc’s eastern flank.—
Jill Lawless,
Twin Cities,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
For some battalions, including Prickly’s, this represents a sea change.—
Tamar Jacoby,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
That would imply three missile-firing battalions and six to nine nuclear-capable ICBMs, such as the Hwasong-15 or Hwasong-18.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Instead, the $252 billion option would include additional Patriot missile batteries and air-control squadrons, dozens of new aircraft, and next-generation systems to defend against drone and cruise missile attacks on major population centers, military bases, and other key areas.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The overwhelming pattern is that what China showcases at Tiananmen becomes reality in squadrons, brigades, and fleets.—
Amir Husain,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Cross-functional squads that integrate Dev, Sec and Ops from day one can help, allowing visibility, velocity and resilience to scale together.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
His last three squads at KU went undefeated in league play, claimed Big Eight Conference team titles each year and advanced to the NCAA Championships in each of those three seasons.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Trump’s grandiose displays of brute force—the massing of weapons of war and platoons of masked, unidentified combat fighters targeting the very civilian populations they are commissioned to protect—does not bring reassurance.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
25 Aug. 2025
-
Russian assault platoons are rushing behind ukrainian lines.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Detachments.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detachments. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share