Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"I went into that assessment expecting that I would be detaining that chap. Based on what we saw he was not detainable under the Mental Health Act," he told the inquiry.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

A spokesperson for the agency said: "Our surveyors are in the process of detaining the Pride of Kent. We are awaiting confirmation of all the detainable items."

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2022

The government’s position that Mr. Hela is lawfully detainable did not change.

From New York Times • Jul. 9, 2021

The government, which made several other accusations, argued that such facts were enough to make Mr. Al-Adahi detainable as part of Al Qaeda.

From New York Times • Jul. 14, 2010

Judges have sided with detainees seeking release in some 34 of 46 cases to date — though the decisions largely turned on skepticism about specific evidence, not the general legal theory about who was detainable.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2010