Detents are mechanical components that help in positioning or locking different parts of a mechanism. These components play an essential role in machines that require constant adjustments or making use of incremental adjustments. The synonyms for the word "detents" are locking devices, catch, pawl, and latch. All these words depict the functionality of detents as essential components in mechanical assemblies. Locking devices are used to prevent movements of objects or parts when they are not supposed to move. Catch describes a type of detent that is used to engage different parts of a mechanism or assembly. Pawl is used to lock objects in place after a certain degree of movement is made, and a latch is used to keep an object securely in place.