detain

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

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 detain Last Friday, Roberts was detained by ICE, which cited a removal order signed by an immigration judge in 2024. Max Rego, The Hill, 3 Oct. 2025 She was detained immediately and flown to Prairieland Detention Center, south of Dallas. Dave Smith, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025 Prosecutors also showed how Rocha has had disciplinary issues while detained at the Clay County Detention Center. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025 Videos circulating on social media show Border Patrol detaining individuals at various locations, including Washington Street and Green Bay Road, a Dunkin’ Donuts on Grand Avenue, and Rubi’s Bakery in Waukegan, according to Lake & McHenry County Scanner. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detain
Verb
  • The journalists were among 15 people arrested during the July 17 demonstration held in support of Imam Ayman Soliman, an Egyptian immigrant and former Cincinnati Children's chaplain who was detained by ICE several days before.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The cops showed up and arrested him for God knows what, but Lee definitely didn’t serve four days and one morning for protesting apartheid or being gay in Victorian England.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Treasury has not set a date for when the final draft will be decided, but the government shutdown may delay a final decision.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Munich Airport in Germany briefly delayed the relaunch of flight operations on Saturday morning local time due to drone sightings, after previous UAV sightings earlier halted all traffic at the airport for several hours.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Security finally realized what was going on and apprehended the trespassing fan while Ne-Yo didn’t miss a beat of his performance.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Grieshaber said officers will also work with local law enforcement to conduct patrols and apprehend high-risk and repeat offenders.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The man reported to the Sheriff’s Office he had been scammed; the Sheriff’s Office then obtained a warrant and seized $14,120 from the ATM.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Failing to seize the narrative, the authorities shifted course and began erasing the record from public memory.
    Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detain. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on detain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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