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 Stephen Hubbard, 74, is a Michigan native who was living in eastern Ukraine in 2022 when it was overrun by Russian forces and he was detained. — Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, 20 Oct. 2026 After the couple exited the hotel and were detained, officers executed a search warrant on their hotel room, recovering a firearm and supporting evidence consistent with the crime scene, police said. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026 He was apprehended and detained by police, according to court records. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 The protesters did not appear to detained after being escorted out. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detain

Verb

Now, in yet another blow to national self-esteem, the ex-head of Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, the BND, has been arrested on charges of exploiting state secrets.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026
Roseville police have arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with the fatal stabbing of a homeless woman downtown earlier this week, authorities said.

— Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of arrest

Verb

More than 350 flights were canceled or delayed at Moscow airports, local media reported, as planes were grounded in response to incoming drones.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Green denied that characterization and declined to elaborate on the challenges that delayed the delivery beyond the missing money.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

Two detainees held at Deportation Depot were released by mistake over the weekend and later apprehended and returned to the detention facility, officials have confirmed.

— Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026
The unidentified suspect fled on a scooter as the officers attempted to apprehend him, police said.

— Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of apprehend

Verb

The continent’s political leaders must seize the moment to act, and not let this moment of Europtimism slide.

— Sophie Dembinski, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
The latest conflict between the Saudis and the Houthis began last month after the rebels seized key areas along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical waterway for oil shipments.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of seize

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detain

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“Detain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detain. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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