1
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
2
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.
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of detain
The original tip reportedly included accusations of labor law violations by the restaurant, but so far only workers apparently have been detained.
—
Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Many were detained during a surprise check-in at the ISAP Chicago office even after having complied fully with every requirement imposed by ICE, including wearing an ankle monitor, supporters said.
—Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
No one in the family was told what he was being detained for — or for how long he would be held, Lopez said.
—Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
But his employment offer was formally revoked on April 3, just under a month after he was detained.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for detain
Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Many were detained during a surprise check-in at the ISAP Chicago office even after having complied fully with every requirement imposed by ICE, including wearing an ankle monitor, supporters said.
—Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
No one in the family was told what he was being detained for — or for how long he would be held, Lopez said.
—Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
But his employment offer was formally revoked on April 3, just under a month after he was detained.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for detain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detain
Verb
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The Columbia County, Oregon, Sheriff’s Office arrested the suspect on May 22, the FBI said.—
Rebekah Riess,
CNN Money,
6 June 2025
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Georgia is then arrested and driven away in a cop car, setting the stage for an intense court battle and a potential prison sentence in Season 3.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, Boeing’s project has been hampered by stress corrosion cracks on the planes and excessive noise in the cabins from the decompression system, among other issues that have delayed delivery, according to a Government Accountability Office report released last year.—
Tara Copp,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2025
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Last year, the NFL reported a 20,000% increase in unauthorized drone activity over games between 2017 and 2023, some of which delayed games.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
7 June 2025
Verb
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Kendall nearly escapes with the cash, but the cops arrive just in time to apprehend him.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
5 June 2025
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Tolbert was apprehended inside a hotel at 204 N. Washington St. in Ellis, Kansas, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a statement.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2025
Verb
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Creators are making money via social media and e-commerce platforms every day, so there’s no reason why freelancers can’t seize the opportunity as well.—
Chelsea Tobin,
Forbes.com,
16 June 2025
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The Astros did not seize it, bypassing infielder Brice Matthews in favor of journeymen veterans Cooper Hummel and Luis Guillorme.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Detain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detain. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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