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.
retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.
detain suggests a delay in letting go.
withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.
reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.
Examples of retain in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Middle English reteinen, retainen, from Anglo-French retenir, reteigner, from Latin retinēre to hold back, restrain, from re- + tenēre to hold — more at thin
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Dictionary Entries Near retain
Cite this Entry
“Retain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retain. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
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transitive verbLegal Definition
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transitive verbMore from Merriam-Webster on retain
Nglish: Translation of retain for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of retain for Arabic Speakers
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