Synonyms of detained

detained 1 of 2

adjective

as in delayed

Related Words

• delayed
• postponed
• delinquent
• behind
• tardy
• belated
• late
• dragging
• overdue
• lagging
• latish
• unhurried
• behindhand
• laggard
• dilatory
• sluggish
• poky
• dawdling
• slow
• dallying
• dillydallying

Dissimilar Words

• early
• premature
• precocious
• untimely
• timely
• opportune
• unseasonable
• inopportune
• prompt
• seasonable
• punctual

detained

2 of 2

verb

past tense of detain

1

as in arrested

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

Police detained the suspect.

Related Words

• arrested
• apprehended
• seized
• imprisoned
• jailed
• incarcerated
• restrained
• confined
• interned
• committed
• restricted
• collared
• nabbed
• captured
• ran in
• pinched
• locked (up)
• nicked
• limited
• held
• pulled in
• constrained
• shut
• picked up
• nailed
• busted
• grabbed
• barred
• snatched
• trapped
• jugged
• immured
• handcuffed
• bound
• caught
• snapped (up)
• gated
• shackled
• grappled
• remanded
• snared
• landed
• fettered
• rearrested
• hooked
• bagged
• manacled
• got
• enchained
• trammeled

Dissimilar Words

• released
• freed
• liberated
• emancipated
• sprang
• loosened
• loosed
• discharged
• unbound
• unchained

2

as in slowed

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.

Related Words

• delayed
• slowed
• blocked
• set back
• suspended
• kept
• retarded
• impeded
• hindered
• halted
• stalled
• hesitated
• blockaded
• baffled
• obstructed
• paused
• balked
• snagged
• stemmed
• held up
• held
• extended
• held back
• arrested
• prolonged
• clogged
• dammed
• stretched (out)
• lengthened
• deferred
• protracted
• laid over
• remitted
• put over
• held over
• terminated
• put off
• repressed
• cut off
• shelved
• concluded
• bottlenecked
• ended
• discontinued
• held off (on)
• stopped
• checked
• turned back
• suppressed
• stunted
• stayed
• stilled
• reined (in)
• caught
• pulled up
• brought up
• drew up
• squashed
• called
• squelched
• choked off
• stanched
• fetched up

Dissimilar Words

• continued
• carried on
• persisted
• kept (on)
• marched
• moved
• kept up
• proceeded
• advanced
• progressed
• ran on
• went along
• pushed
• stirred
• fared
• drove
• actuated
• followed through (with)
• impelled
• spurred
• propelled
• wended
• goaded
• budged

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of detained

Verb

Officials also urge anyone who is detained by ICE, or whose family member is taken into custody, to contact the Haitian Consulate immediately at 305-916-8184 so the consular officials can assist. — Tania Francois, CBS News, 31 July 2026

But that doesn’t mean that she could be detained without bond. — Idaho Statesman, 31 July 2026

The three other men in the van, including Salgado Araujo’s brother, were detained. — Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

More than 1,600 children were detained for longer than 20 days, the analysis showed. — Chaewon Chung july 30, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026

One of the first high-profile Haitian figures detained was one-time presidential hopeful Pierre Réginald Boulos. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

He was detained without incident, and will remain in custody pending immigration proceedings, according to the statement. — Mary Ella Hastings updated July 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026

The data doesn’t include people detained in short-term facilities, including ICE field offices and courtrooms. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Only three people have been detained throughout the investigation, and DNA testing is ongoing. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 23 July 2026