as in delayed
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1
as in arrested
to take or keep (someone) in confinement by authority of law
Police detained the suspect.
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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.
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Recent Examples of detained
ABC News, 14 June 2026
The representative earned applause from those in attendance after one attendee praised Matsui’s outspoken support of the Afghan community, especially after federal immigration agents reportedly detained multiple Afghans living in the Sacramento area late last year.
—Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026
Multiple people were detained as officers tried pushing back the crowd.
—Christina Fan, CBS News, 14 June 2026
There is a continuing need for rental assistance for families whose breadwinners have been detained and protections for immigrant workers who are now more vulnerable, said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
One teen, who was later detained, allegedly discharged bear spray, according to a LSPD news release.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2026
Two people were detained and identified as part of a local gang, while one person was arrested and taken into custody, said Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sgt.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 7 June 2026
France last week asked for its public prosecutor, which presents cases in court, to investigate the treatment of French nationals detained by Israel after being part of the flotilla.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 6 June 2026
Baraka was handcuffed, detained for five hours and formally charged with trespassing.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
Collins sponsored the Laken Riley Act, a 2025 law that requires immigrants be detained when charged with certain crimes.
—ABC News, 14 June 2026
The representative earned applause from those in attendance after one attendee praised Matsui’s outspoken support of the Afghan community, especially after federal immigration agents reportedly detained multiple Afghans living in the Sacramento area late last year.
—Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2026
Multiple people were detained as officers tried pushing back the crowd.
—Christina Fan, CBS News, 14 June 2026
There is a continuing need for rental assistance for families whose breadwinners have been detained and protections for immigrant workers who are now more vulnerable, said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026
One teen, who was later detained, allegedly discharged bear spray, according to a LSPD news release.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2026
Two people were detained and identified as part of a local gang, while one person was arrested and taken into custody, said Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sgt.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 7 June 2026
France last week asked for its public prosecutor, which presents cases in court, to investigate the treatment of French nationals detained by Israel after being part of the flotilla.
—Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 6 June 2026
Baraka was handcuffed, detained for five hours and formally charged with trespassing.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detained
Adjective
-
That meant a delayed return to full activities.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
9 June 2026
-
In a statement provided to KDKA-TV, Allegheny County said that a malfunction led to the delayed opening.—
Jessica Riley,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
Verb
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That September, he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana following a vehicle crash in San Jose.—
Michael McGough,
Sacbee.com,
14 June 2026
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Three weeks into his third season, Smith was involved in a single-car accident and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 June 2026
Adjective
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Both Nupen Patel and Bhara Patel are among the principal members of the ownership group for the Radisson Hotel Oakland Airport in Oakland, which has been shoved into receivership due to a delinquent $31 million loan, Alameda County documents show.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
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Hochman said the comic paid his taxes before 2019 and that the California Franchise Tax Board sent more than 70 demand notices regarding his delinquent tax returns.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
He was apprehended hiding in the plane bathroom.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
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Of those apprehended during the administration's first seven months, more than 9,700 children saw at least one parent placed into immigration detention -- more than in previous years.—
Laura Romero,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detained. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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