detained
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for detained, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Held in custody, or delayed from proceeding.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use detained
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “detained” mean?
The word “detained” means held in custody, or delayed from proceeding. In plain terms, held back, either in custody or simply delayed.
How do you pronounce “detained”?
“Detained” is pronounced dih-TAYND (/dɪˈteɪnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “detained” in a sentence?
Here is “detained” used in a sentence: “He was detained at the border for several hours.”
What part of speech is “detained”?
“Detained” is an adjective.
Is “detained” a common word?
“Detained” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between detained and arrested?
Detained means held in custody or delayed, which can happen briefly for questioning without formal charges, while arrested specifically means taken into custody under legal authority, usually as the first step toward criminal charges. Someone can be detained without being arrested.
What is the difference between detained and delayed?
Detained can mean either held in custody or simply delayed from proceeding, such as being detained by traffic. Delayed refers only to being made late, without any implication of custody or restriction.
How is detained used in everyday, non-legal contexts?
Outside legal settings, detained is often used to mean held up or made late, as in "I was detained at work." This everyday use carries no suggestion of custody, only delay.