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 Shadi Abu Sido, a Palestinian photojournalist who was among those released from an Israeli prison on Monday, said he was shocked by the widespread devastation that has occurred in Gaza since he was detained in March 2024. Diaa Ostaz, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2025 The footage was believed to capture the moments before he was detained by Israeli soldiers. Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2025 Luis Gerardo Pirela-Ramirez and Yonder Enrique Tenefe-Perez, both from Venezuela, were detained Tuesday morning for allegedly ramming a Border Patrol vehicle and attempting to flee the scene, according to a senior DHS source. Landon Mion , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025 After finding Fallen’s car in a Starbucks parking lot, officers detained two people, including Daniel Hadders, police said. Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detain
Verb
  • An 18-year old wanted on multiple felony charges was arrested Monday after officers rammed his vehicle in West Memphis, the Arkansas State Police said in a news release Wednesday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Police confirmed Wednesday that six people had been arrested in relation to the violence.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In recent years, some Wyandotte residents have tried to get the government to delay or cancel its tax sales, which usually happen twice a year, to prevent people who have struggled to pay sky-rocketing property tax bills from losing their family homes.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The continued closure of the Rafah crossing is preventing delivery of equipment needed to find dead hostages and will therefore delay recovery efforts, Hamas said, according to Reuters.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hennie said the person was apprehended without incident.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Imperiale was apprehended in 2021 and later deported to Italy, where he is now incarcerated.
    Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Unified Government can seize someone’s home in this way if the residents don’t pay all their property taxes for three years.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Leveraging geopolitical insights allows businesses to build resilient partnerships and seize emerging opportunities before rivals.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detain. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on detain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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