1
as in servant
a person hired to perform household or personal services
knights being dressed for battle by their retainers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in employee
one who works for another for wages or a salary
lifelong civil service retainers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 retainer
The Heat need a toe doctor on retainer.
—
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
The Live With Kelly and Mark host engaged in a titillating conversation with husband Mark Consuelos on Wednesday's edition of the beloved talk show, with the star admitting that her oral retainer sometimes dissuades her husband's advances in the bedroom.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Apr. 2026
Wearing a night guard can help support better sleep, healthier teeth and reduced jaw discomfort and custom retainers help maintain alignment and protect your smile.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
Zoley offered to put Lewandowski on retainer — a recurring consulting fee — with GEO Group, according to two industry sources familiar with the matter.
—Julia Ainsley, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retainer
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
The Live With Kelly and Mark host engaged in a titillating conversation with husband Mark Consuelos on Wednesday's edition of the beloved talk show, with the star admitting that her oral retainer sometimes dissuades her husband's advances in the bedroom.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Apr. 2026
Wearing a night guard can help support better sleep, healthier teeth and reduced jaw discomfort and custom retainers help maintain alignment and protect your smile.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
Zoley offered to put Lewandowski on retainer — a recurring consulting fee — with GEO Group, according to two industry sources familiar with the matter.
—Julia Ainsley, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retainer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retainer
Noun
-
The items included a double-breasted waistcoat and a black silk neckerchief tied in a bowknot, more indicative of what would be worn by a steward or officer’s servant, as well as a clothes brush.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
8 May 2026
-
My agenda will raise people’s standard of living and expectations of the public servant.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
The court recommended that the petition be dismissed, and that the organizations be given one month to submit the employee lists.—
Clayton Dalton,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
-
Nine were arrested, including two museum employees, several tour guides, and the alleged mastermind.—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Adding insult to injury, Hasna accuses Meriem of using her body to get a cushier, better paying job as maid inside the boss’ luxurious home.—
Jay Weissberg,
Variety,
19 May 2026
-
The maid/matron of honor do not count in this equation.—
Joe Kinsey OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
After the landing, Starship toppled over into the ocean waters and exploded in a magnificent fireball (again, as planned) as SpaceX workers cheered.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
23 May 2026
-
Parallel with that, city enforcement is essential to holding accountable the app companies dispatching the 65,000-plus e-bike delivery workers within timeframes that impel the breaking of traffic laws.—
Michael Miller,
New York Daily News,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retainer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retainer. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
