Find Antonyms
detain Antonyms
Opposite of detain
Because the opposite of detain shifts with each meaning, the 11 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
• verb (Context 1)
To keep someone in official custody, typically for questioning about a crime or in politically sensitive situations.
Usage Example
"Customs officials decided to release the traveler for several hours while they verified the validity of his passport."
Strongest
release
free
liberate
Strong
discharge
let go
emancipate
• verb (Context 2)
To keep someone from proceeding by holding them back or making claims on their attention.
Usage Example
"She tried to leave the office on time, but a last-minute phone call from a client served to expedite her."
Strongest
expedite
Strong
hasten
accelerate
speed up
dismiss
Similar words to detain
Words similar to detain shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:
hold
delay
hold up
keep
confine
intern
slow down
arrest
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Detain. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/detain