detain

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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 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 See All Example Sentences for detain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detain
Verb
  • Her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, was initially arrested in June 2019, along with Troconis, and charged with tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
  • Police arrested and removed nearly a dozen union workers protesting Mayor Daniel Lurie during a San Francisco City Hall meeting on Tuesday, showing the new mayor’s rocky relationship with Big Labor.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • President Trump delayed his decision on whether attack Iran for two weeks following a Thursday sighting of Steve Bannon at the White House.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
  • These actions did not fully block the strait but caused sharp increases in shipping insurance premiums and delayed maritime traffic.
    Isabel van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • He was apprehended by the District of Connecticut Violent Fugitive Task Force.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2025
  • Boelter was apprehended in Sibley County, about 50 miles away from Minneapolis, after a two-day manhunt authorities called the largest in the state's history.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • The Astros did not seize it, bypassing infielder Brice Matthews in favor of journeymen veterans Cooper Hummel and Luis Guillorme.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • Creators are making money via social media and e-commerce platforms every day, so there’s no reason why freelancers can’t seize the opportunity as well.
    Chelsea Tobin, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detain. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on detain

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