DETAINING Synonyms: 146 Similar and Opposite Words

detaining

verb

present participle of detain

as in arresting

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

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Dissimilar Words

as in delaying

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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Dissimilar Words

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 detaining In Salisbury, which has become a hub for Haitians who work in nearby factories and farms, ICE recently started detaining people in parking lots and other areas immigrants frequent, according to Fouché of Safe Harbor Circles. — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026 This was accomplished in part by lowering operating costs — meaning the business of detaining people is becoming cheaper — and because of more people being put in detention. — Vanessa Romo, NPR, 8 Aug. 2026 The city is simply saying ICE can’t violate the zoning regulations by detaining people at the strip-mall facility. — Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 7 Aug. 2026 Both the ordinance and the act largely prohibit law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration agents, and from stopping, arresting, searching, detaining or continuing to detain a person solely due to immigration status. — Chris Tye, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 While detaining Taele, deputies found a 16-round magazine containing hollow-point ammunition in a pants pocket. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026 Authorities said detectives found a butane lighter and waterproof matches while detaining and searching him. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026 It was quickly determined that Taele was being investigated for robbery by the El Segundo Police Department, resulting in deputies detaining him and found a 16-round magazine in his pants pocket, according to police. — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 Reports suggested that local police were surveilling and detaining people to prevent them from reaching the protest site. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detaining

Verb

Since May, a series of law enforcement operations have taken place at the park, beginning with federal and LAPD officers arresting fentanyl and methamphetamine street dealers around the perimeter of the park.

— Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Attorneys say witnesses described a gunman matching Wright’s appearance, police received tips identifying Wright as the shooter and even issued a pickup order naming him as a suspect before later arresting Dobbs.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of arresting

Verb

In that unlikely scenario, the project with LINXS could be terminated and Los Angeles World Airports, which manages LAX, would have to find a new contractor, further delaying the train’s future.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Tampa politicians will likely celebrate by delaying a vote on the Rays’ proposed new stadium by another few months.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of delaying

Verb

She’s tasked with apprehending The Puppet Master (Iemasa Kayumi), a hacker who appears to be tapping directly into these networked minds and altering memories.

— David Faris, TheWeek, 14 Aug. 2026
Police posted video of the raid on social media, showing officers collecting evidence at the scene and apprehending the suspect.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 June 2026

Definition of apprehending

Verb

At home, Indian authorities moved aggressively, seizing his properties and luxury assets, from high-end cars to jewelry and artworks.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Second-year University of Connecticut student Kira Mesick jumped at the chance to fill a resident assistant job at the university’s new, $29 million residence hall in downtown Hartford, seizing on its Pratt Street location.

— Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of seizing

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Style

“Detaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detaining. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of detaining

verb

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