Synonyms of retainer

retainer

noun

ri-ˈtā-nər 

1

as in servant

a person hired to perform household or personal services

knights being dressed for battle by their retainers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• servant
• maid
• housekeeper
• lackey
• steward
• butler
• woman
• groom
• flunky
• daily
• domestic
• assistant
• manservant
• valet
• man
• footman
• servitor
• menial
• houseman
• housemaid
• companion
• majordomo
• maidservant
• houseboy
• wench
• follower
• attendant
• handmaiden
• lady-in-waiting
• factotum
• gofer
• dogsbody
• drudge

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• master
• mistress
• head
• leader
• boss
• captain
• chief
• foreman
• headman
• kingpin
• helmsman
• taskmaster

2

as in employee

one who works for another for wages or a salary

lifelong civil service retainers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• employee
• worker
• assistant
• colleague
• hireling
• associate
• laborer
• jobholder
• hand
• underling
• subordinate
• cog
• flunky
• workman
• yes-man
• wage earner
• workwoman
• gandy dancer
• toiler
• grub
• temporary
• jobber
• hack
• coworker
• wage slave
• wageworker
• workingman
• workingwoman
• navvy
• drudge
• temp
• nine-to-fiver

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• employer
• boss
• supervisor
• gaffer
• superior

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of retainer

Mark Lewis, Founder of Netalico, an e-commerce agency specializing in migrations, CRO, and retainers for mid-market and enterprise brands. — Mark Lewis, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Creeggan made the suggestion to keep Lyle on retainer for future gigs if need be, which, despite the vote of confidence, still gave his father pause. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

The $10,000 is for a retainer for legal representation, North said, and she’s already talked to a lawyer about their concerns. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026

MouthPad is a touchpad that sits over the upper teeth like a slim dental retainer and is controlled with the tip of the tongue. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2026