DETAIN Synonyms: 145 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

detain

verb

Definition of detain next

as in to arrest

to take or keep (someone) in confinement by authority of law Police detained the suspect.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to delay

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.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples of detain in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web Earlier this month, Israeli troops stormed Kamal Adwan, detaining a large number of people, including much of the staff, Abu Safiya said at the time of the raid. —

Melanie Lidman and Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 The complaint also said that Combs has had no contact with Doe in the years since and noted that Combs is currently detained. —

Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2024 Nelson made his initial court appearance on Tuesday and was temporarily detained by a judge. —

Clara McMichael, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2024 One person has been detained after firefighters putting out a house fire in Temple City discovered three bodies inside, authorities said. —

Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for detain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detain

Verb

The defendant, who was arrested Oct. 9, was scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 18.

City News Service, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024
Facebook / Orland Park Police Department A 24-year-old Illinois man has been arrested after allegedly causing a disturbance in a voting line before punching an election judge in the face, police said.

Jon Haworth, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024