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 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 Police detain 2 people at Vice President Harris’ Brentwood home during curfew hours A lull in the Santa Ana winds that had been fanning the flames helped crews on Saturday. —

Addy Bink, The Hill, 12 Jan. 2025 While Trump’s allies have floated measures to detain and deport people residing in the US illegally, the plans largely depend on the resources and funds available to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which historically has had budget shortfalls. —

Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 11 Jan. 2025 Those detained recently include the director of a freedom of speech group, and the son in law of Edmundo González, the retired diplomat who became the opposition's stand-in candidate in July's election, and is now in exile. —

Manuel Rueda, NPR, 10 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, Maduro’s supporters denied Machado had been detained, claiming that government opponents were trying to generate an international crisis. —

Regina Garcia Cano and Joshua Goodman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for detain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detain

Verb

Senate to continue consideration of Laken Riley Act The Senate this week will continue consideration of the Laken Riley Act, which would require that migrants who are arrested for theft are detained.

Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 13 Jan. 2025
Tara Card, 42, is also accused of having methamphetamine when Woodland police arrested her on Dec. 27.

Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 13 Jan. 2025