retain

verb

re·​tain ri-ˈtān 

retained; retaining; retains

transitive verb

1

a

: to keep in possession or use

b

: to keep in one's pay or service

specifically : to employ by paying a retainer

c

: to keep in mind or memory : remember

2

: to hold secure or intact

Synonyms

• hold
• keep
• reserve
• withhold

Choose the Right Synonym for retain

keep, retain, detain, withhold, reserve mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control.

keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control.

keep this while I'm gone

retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

detain suggests a delay in letting go.

detained them for questioning

withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.

withheld information from the authorities

reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.

reserve some of your energy for the last mile

Examples of retain in a Sentence

A landlord may retain part of your deposit if you break the lease.

They insisted on retaining old customs.

You will retain your rights as a citizen.

The TV show has retained its popularity for many years.

The company's goal is to attract and retain good employees.

The team failed to retain him, and he became a free agent.

They have decided to retain a firm to conduct a survey.

You may need to retain an attorney.

Recent Examples on the Web

Even in the far reaches of the Minnesota Northwoods, the snow is mostly gone by late April, but the central Sierra Nevada typically retains snow into early June. —Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2024

That argues for holding high-quality corporate and government bonds, which are likely to retain value in the worst of times. —Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2024

Their ongoing mission, passed down through the years, is to answer a seemingly simple question: How long do seeds retain the ability to grow? Technically speaking, a seed is a plant embryo wrapped, along with a reserve of food, in a protective coating. —Kate Golembiewski, Discover Magazine, 5 Apr. 2024

Child victims of the past must retain the same rights as victims in the future. —Kyle Dillon Hertz, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024

The Kansas House and Senate negotiators agreed Wednesday on a comprehensive tax bill that retains the state’s existing three-bracket structure while lowering income taxes for those in the highest bracket making more than $30,000 a year. —Jonathan Shorman and, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2024

The ringspun blanket is well-stitched and retains its quality after being washed. —Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 4 Apr. 2024

The district intends to retain a different firm for state level advocacy in Sacramento, Dover said. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2024

Standing Above the Clouds explores intergenerational healing and the struggle to retain ancient ceremonies. —Jennie Punter, Variety, 26 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reteinen, retainen, from Anglo-French retenir, reteigner, from Latin retinēre to hold back, restrain, from re- + tenēre to hold — more at thin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

retain

verb

re·​tain ri-ˈtān 

1

a

: to keep in possession or use

you will retain your rights as a citizen

b

: to keep in pay or in one's service

especially : to employ by paying a retainer

retain an attorney

c

: remember sense 3

I can't retain phone numbers

2

: to hold secure or unchanged

land retains heat longer than water

Medical Definition

retain

transitive verb

re·​tain ri-ˈtān 

1

: to hold or keep in

retain fluids

2

: to keep in mind or memory

Legal Definition

retain

transitive verb

re·​tain ri-ˈtān 

1

: to keep in possession or use

2

: to keep in one's pay or service

specifically : to employ (as a lawyer) by paying a retainer