retain

1
2
as in to have
to keep, control, or experience as one's own that author retains the right to veto any changes in his books suggested by his publisher's notoriously intrusive editor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word retain distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of retain are detain, keep, reserve, and withhold. While all these words mean "to hold in one's possession or under one's control," retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

When is detain a more appropriate choice than retain?

The meanings of detain and retain largely overlap; however, detain suggests a delay in letting go.

detained them for questioning

When might keep be a better fit than retain?

In some situations, the words keep and retain are roughly equivalent. However, keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control.

keep this while I'm gone

When can reserve be used instead of retain?

The words reserve and retain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.

reserve some of your energy for the last mile

In what contexts can withhold take the place of retain?

The words withhold and retain can be used in similar contexts, but withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.

withheld information from the authorities

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of retain While demand for his specialty is increasing as women are continuing to choose to have children later in life, Williams believes the industry is competitive enough to continue attracting and retaining talent. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025 Its aim is to give grants to students, and attract, develop and retain talent through education and business mentoring. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025 Nomads are a force multiplier, complementing the missions of aircraft such as the Black Hawk to retain the strategic advantage in the Indo-Pacific and across broader regions. David Szondy october 19, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2025 Atari says the new Intellivision Sprint will retain the look and feel of the original console, but will add modern features like HDMI support, USB charging, and wireless controllers. PC Magazine, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retain
Verb
  • Anglers who want to keep their catch fresh on a long drive home are better served to cover fish in a dry livewell with ice.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • After keeping her loyalty to Tommy on their night off, this week, Kizzi is back to flirting with everyone, everywhere.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Players can also add the Double Play for an additional $1 to have a second chance at winning $10 million.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 23 Oct. 2025
  • That means more than one of every eight of Kroger's 103 stores in its Cincinnati-Dayton division (which includes Northern Kentucky) have the digital devices so far.
    Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But American manufacturing looks very different from five decades ago, when millions of workers were employed to perform specific tasks along assembly lines.
    Joel Williams, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Companies that employ geopolitical foresight will be better equipped to navigate disruption and unlock growth opportunities.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Slot’s side fell behind to Rasmus Kristensen’s strike but held their nerve and took complete control with 14 shots on target compared to just one.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Many of the marble mausoleums on this 14-acre spot are held by Argentina’s elite, some famous, others infamous—think past presidents, Nobel Prize winners, and military commanders.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Lewis was not allowed to possess guns due to two felony convictions, for assault in 2021 and false imprisonment earlier this year.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Because of this, ice bunkers were generally only utilized by social elites such as the royals, who possessed the necessary technological know-how and labor force.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Revolutionary groups, often recruited from universities and the intelligentsia, were soon carrying out terrorist attacks in the cities.
    Karl Ove Knausgaard, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Ring of Fire Skull recruited Dusty Summers from a club in Las Vegas.
    Keith Sharon, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Meat that's been smoked, grilled, charcoaled, or preserved with salt may lead to gene mutations and precancerous changes in the stomach.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Apple and Disney-owned ESPN were the only two final bidders for the next rights deal, and ESPN reportedly declined to match Apple’s offer.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
  • But this week, reps received an email from the platform owned by Redbird Capital Partners about plans to roll out a tier subscription system based on roster size.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retain. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on retain

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