Synonyms of detain

detain

verb

1

as in to arrest

to take or keep (someone) in confinement by authority of law

Police detained the suspect.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• arrest
• apprehend
• seize
• restrain
• imprison
• confine
• jail
• restrict
• incarcerate
• run in
• nab
• constrain
• capture
• commit
• limit
• shut
• hold
• pull in
• nick
• pinch
• grab
• lock (up)
• pick up
• snatch
• nail
• gate
• bust
• immure
• collar
• trap
• catch
• grapple
• snap (up)
• bind
• bar
• intern
• snare
• jug
• land
• handcuff
• hook
• get
• remand
• enchain
• shackle
• fetter
• rearrest
• bag
• trammel
• manacle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liberate
• release
• loosen
• emancipate
• free
• loose
• spring
• discharge
• unbind
• unchain

2

as in to delay

to keep (someone or something) from proceeding or progressing

She sent word that she had been unavoidably detained.

The plane was detained for hours due to inclement weather.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• delay
• slow
• hinder
• impede
• keep
• set back
• obstruct
• block
• suspend
• hesitate
• retard
• halt
• extend
• hold
• prolong
• snag
• lengthen
• hold up
• stem
• stall
• defer
• pause
• balk
• clog
• hold back
• dam
• stretch (out)
• terminate
• repress
• arrest
• baffle
• blockade
• protract
• cut off
• put over
• put off
• hold off (on)
• hold over
• conclude
• remit
• discontinue
• suppress
• stop
• bottleneck
• lay over
• check
• turn back
• shelve
• stay
• end
• catch
• rein (in)
• call
• pull up
• draw up
• still
• bring up
• squelch
• stanch
• staunch
• choke off
• stunt
• squash
• fetch up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continue
• keep (on)
• persist
• proceed
• carry on
• run on
• keep up
• move
• advance
• march
• progress
• go along
• push
• stir
• drive
• fare
• spur
• follow through (with)
• propel
• wend
• budge
• impel
• actuate
• goad

Synonym Chooser

How is the word detain distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of detain are delay, retard, slacken, and slow. While all these words mean "to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress," detain implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time.

unexpected business had detained her

When is delay a more appropriate choice than detain?

While in some cases nearly identical to detain, delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival.

bad weather delayed our arrival

In what contexts can retard take the place of detain?

In some situations, the words retard and detain are roughly equivalent. However, retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping.

language barriers retarded their progress

When might slacken be a better fit than detain?

Although the words slacken and detain have much in common, slacken suggests an easing up or relaxing of power or effort.

on hot days runners slacken their pace

How do slow and slacken relate to one another, in the sense of detain?

Both slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention.

medication slowed the patient's heart rate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of detain

Under the California Values Act – the state's sanctuary law – state and local police are prohibited from investigating, detaining, or deporting its residents for purposes of immigration enforcement, according to CalMatters. —Sara Chernikoff, USA Today, 18 June 2025

Last month, Fernando Casas-Gamboa’s attorney filed a motion to dismiss the indictment, alleging that ICE is wrongly detaining his client on immigration grounds despite Major ordering his pre-trial release in the criminal case. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025

Law enforcement officials handcuffed him but he was not charged or detained. —Molly Gibbs, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2025

For several hours Friday, advocates gathered outside Ambiance Apparel’s warehouse shouting legal advice to those being detained inside. —Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025