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 That's a bit like how Multimatic creates the GTD, which retains just enough Mustang shape to look familiar, but little else. ArsTechnica, 29 Sep. 2025 That left first-year cornerbacks coach Nick Perry as the only full-time defensive staff member retained. Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2025 The Free Press retains editorial control of this work. Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 29 Sep. 2025 Moments later, Lowry made his six-foot putt to win the hole, halve the match and officially confirm Europe would at least retain the Ryder Cup. Brody Miller, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retain
Verb
  • The Fed, which opted to cut interest rates earlier this month, is guided by a dual mandate to keep inflation under control and maximize employment.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Netanyahu knows that his political future is dependent on keeping far-right members of his coalition on board – and that dynamic has undone past pushes for the end of the war.
    Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ford had a challenging first half of 2025 with 88 vehicle recalls with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to NHTSA data, which now surpasses the record set by General Motors of 77 recalls for all of 2014, the Detroit Free Press previously reported.
    Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Ohio has 13 Costco warehouse locations.
    Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • VistaVision was designed as a competitor to 20th Century Fox’s CinemaScope, which employed an anamorphic lens to compress a widescreen image onto standard 35mm film stock.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
  • But federal data shows that in Florida, universities, colleges and schools in the state employ thousands of workers on H-1B visas.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Republicans balked, accusing Democrats of holding the government hostage by standing in the way of continued federal funding unless their health-care demands are met.
    Kevin Breuninger,Sam Meredith, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • While Avatar 2 will have 90% of the Imax, One Battle After Another will hold onto its Imax 70MM auditoriums.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This partnership is also emblematic of a broader industry trend toward revitalizing mid-tier and smaller American shipyards, which possess the agility to adapt to new types of naval platforms.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Teams have caught up on Mike McDaniel’s playcalling In the first two seasons of Dolphins coach McDaniel’s tenure as head coach the Dolphins possessed one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Choral’s ambitious committee, determined to press ahead, decides to recruit local young males to swell their ranks.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2025
  • But the unexpected interloper turns out not to be the last of the heist’s hiccups when new team recruit Zen (Rosa Salazar) plugs Parker’s crew full of bullet holes and makes off with the rest of the cash.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The morning kicked off behind the Rose Creek Cottage and was one of many activities hosted by Friends of Rose Creek, an organization aimed at preserving the natural habitat and connecting community members.
    Madison Beveridge, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Nichols, 44, has worked as an engineer for the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the city of Jonesboro, and currently owns a small transportation engineering firm, according to a news release announcing his candidacy.
    Ella McCarthy, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Through its Savvy Games Group, the PIF owns ESL FACEIT Group, which is the world’s biggest esports organization.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 26 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retain. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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