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.

Police said they had detained some 130 demonstrators.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

He repeated the mistake in December, touting how the FBI had detained a person of interest in the shooting at Brown University who was later cleared of any connection to the deadly crime.

From Salon • Feb. 14, 2026

Indonesian authorities said on Tuesday they had detained a Chinese real estate executive wanted over the default of a $138 million corporate loan.

From Barron's • Nov. 18, 2025

Hours before his arrival in the US capital it was announced that Syrian security services had detained dozens of suspected members of the so-called Islamic State group.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2025

I also learned that our house had been raided and the police had detained a young relative of Winnie’s.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela