retentive

adjective

re·ten·tive | \ri-ˈten-tiv

Definition of retentive

: having the power, property, or capacity of retaining soils retentive of moisture especially : retaining knowledge easily a retentive memory

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Many of the large-flowering varieties do well in large containers, just be sure to use a moisture retentive soil mix and/or a self-watering container, and provide a secure trellis. — Jean Nick, Good Housekeeping, "How To Grow Clematis," 17 Mar. 2017 The draft and all its component parts represent the NFL at its anal-retentive best. — Paul Daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "Paul Daugherty: Run-up to NFL Draft is about who can lie the best," 23 Apr. 2018 Anal retentive huns popping out all over the place. — Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, "Taylor Swift's 'Look What You Made Me Do' Video Tops Adele's Vevo Record," 28 Aug. 2017 If humans could be similarly modified, our corresponding brains might become extraordinarily retentive. — Brendan I. Koerner, WIRED, "The Super Power Issue8 Super Powers," 1 Aug. 2003 O’Brien’s librarian is a heartbroken, anal-retentive loner who has a catharsis when someone returns a book that’s 123 years overdue. — Pam Kragen, sandiegouniontribune.com, "One last dispatch from the Fringe: 8 shows close annual festival," 4 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'retentive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.