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

as in to arrest

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

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Dissimilar Words

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.

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 One day, her teen-age daughter, on the way to choir practice, witnessed ICE detaining someone outside her bus; Bre sent her children to stay with relatives in the suburbs. — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Officer Kiara Delva, a police spokeswoman, said one person was detained and taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026 Anyone who sees Ray or the suspect vehicle — a white, 2014 Cadillac CTS with Texas license plate KCM1104 — should not approach or try to detain him, Hernandez said, and should contact law enforcement authorities immediately. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Aug. 2026 Federal police officers, called to the scene, detained the suspect right after the stabbing. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detain

Verb

After years of legal proceedings in the United Kingdom and Romania, the Tates were arrested in Miami by US Marshals on July 18 on provisional arrest warrants requested by Britain.

— Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Then, in March 2025, he was arrested for the rape of a 46-year-old woman earlier that year.

— Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of arrest

Verb

During the first quarter of this year, around $130 billion worth of data center projects were blocked or delayed due to local opposition, according to a report from Data Center Watch.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
The classroom pipeline feeds directly into Russia’s conscription system, which requires all 18-year-old men to complete one year’s military service, though in reality many avoid or delay being drafted.

— Bloomberg, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

According to local news reports, police in Pattaya over the weekend apprehended at least 25 individuals suspected of soliciting for prostitution, an offense punishable by fines.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
After it was immobilized, the driver attempted to leave the vehicle and was apprehended by officers, according to NEA Report.

— Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of apprehend

Verb

The Texas high school football season is underway, and several Fort Worth-area teams seized statement wins.

— Charles Baggarly August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
But while the Jets’ defense piled up takeaways, the rookie quarterback failed to seize the spotlight during the 23-6 loss to the Giants.

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of seize

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details

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detained

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“Detain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detain. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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