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 The Citizen Redistricting Commission, an independent entity first formed in 2008, would retain power over state legislative redistricting, and that body would regain power of congressional redistricting after the 2030 Census, Newsom said. Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2025 The ownership of the tree would be shared between the neighbors, and both homeowners retain the right to trim or prune parts of the tree that hang over their property. Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 15 Aug. 2025 For Pro models, MacRumors expects Apple to retain a starting price of $999, though Instant Digital suggests the iPhone 17 Pro might get a $50 bump from $999 to $1,050. PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2025 Embroiled in controversy in recent weeks surrounding past social media posts, Fike seeks to retain the council seat she was appointed to back in October 2024. James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retain
Verb
  • Some swindlers thumb their nose at both and keep their cons going.
    Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The online Monopoly game features a jackpot prize that begins at $150,000 and keeps growing until there is a winner.
    Mike Stunson, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Rapids, who sat in 10th when Mihailovic departed, have seven games to go in the regular season.
    Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Padres relievers had the better game, but the Kershaw-Vásquez result was a two-run deficit.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But the nuanced collaboration and communications strategy employed by groups like the MFDP and the Young Patriots offers a solution, one that could dramatically increase the chances of achieving activists’ goals.
    Time, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The district employs more than 1,400 paraprofessionals.
    Chesnie Wardell, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Regardless of what the future holds, Roman Anthony has set himself and his family up for life, and the Red Sox have locked in yet another piece of their future at a reasonable rate.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • He is being held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The question of who ultimately possesses the authority to impose tariffs has remained the key to those who wish to challenge the tariffs, with an 11-judge panel appearing unconvinced that Trump can bypass Congress on the issue, particularly when looking at the IEEPA.
    Peter Aitken Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
  • No football player, including Underwood himself, strives in Pop Warner to possess his unique skill.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • From my first conversation with Tommy Gilhooly, I got fired up about coaching and recruiting true student-athletes and building upon a proud basketball program.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
  • That honestly brings me more joy than getting recruited.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The Chrysler Falcon is part of the Bortz Auto Collection of concept cars preserved by enthusiast Joe Bortz.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The league will continue owning and operating some of its own media, Disney said on Wednesday, including its storied production company NFL Films.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • On Tuesday, Disney announced a major deal with the NFL, under which the league will own a 10% stake in ESPN — which analysts say is worth as much as $2.5 billion.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retain. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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