as in delayed
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1
as in arrested
to take or keep (someone) in confinement by authority of law
Police detained the suspect.
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2
as in slowed
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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Recent Examples of detained
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2026
Previously, when an FBI agent used falsified evidence to arrest an anti-ICE protester in New York, threw her violently to the ground, detained her, and initiated her criminal prosecution, no federal law permitted the victim to sue the agent.
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Joel B. Rudin,
New York Daily News,
28 June 2026
To the neighbor detained without warning?
—
Otis Moss Iii,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
In a previous statement to Fox News Digital, Union County Prosecutors Office Public Information Officer Lauren Farinas said Battiloro was detained for questioning after the incident and later released.
—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
The rubber boat that a Chinese national was in when he was detained in the waters off South Korea's west coast, at a port in Taean, South Korea.
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CBS News,
27 June 2026
Dong, a former police officer in China, had previously been detained several times for his activism.
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ABC News,
27 June 2026
The Kansas City Police Department detained one man for further questioning.
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Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
21 June 2026
That is a legal avenue to argue that a person should not be detained.
—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
20 June 2026
Verb
Twenty-six people were detained and six of them were arrested on outstanding warrants.
—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2026
Previously, when an FBI agent used falsified evidence to arrest an anti-ICE protester in New York, threw her violently to the ground, detained her, and initiated her criminal prosecution, no federal law permitted the victim to sue the agent.
—
Joel B. Rudin,
New York Daily News,
28 June 2026
To the neighbor detained without warning?
—
Otis Moss Iii,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
In a previous statement to Fox News Digital, Union County Prosecutors Office Public Information Officer Lauren Farinas said Battiloro was detained for questioning after the incident and later released.
—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2026
The rubber boat that a Chinese national was in when he was detained in the waters off South Korea's west coast, at a port in Taean, South Korea.
—
CBS News,
27 June 2026
Dong, a former police officer in China, had previously been detained several times for his activism.
—
ABC News,
27 June 2026
The Kansas City Police Department detained one man for further questioning.
—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
21 June 2026
That is a legal avenue to argue that a person should not be detained.
—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
20 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detained
Adjective
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The impact is already being felt across various regions, from a delayed start to the Indian monsoon to a temporary halt to Peru’s fishing season.
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That meant a delayed return to full activities.
Verb
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Twenty-six people were detained and six of them were arrested on outstanding warrants.
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The Dodge Durango driver fled after the fatal collision and has not been arrested.
Adjective
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The amount that's ultimately forgiven depends on factors including the creditor, how delinquent the account is, your financial hardship and your overall debt profile.
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As if the sudden influx of orders weren't enough, Carmy also has to contend with feuding employees, a delinquent trainee, a distracted pastry chef, a dearth of giardiniera, and a dry Sharpie.
Verb
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Chavez, 19, ran from the scene, but was later apprehended.
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The sheriff’s office reports hundreds of arrests, dozens of fugitives apprehended and weapons recovered, along with declines in fare evasion and crime where deputies have been deployed.
Cite this Entry
“Detained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detained. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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