1
as in servant
a person hired to perform household or personal services
knights being dressed for battle by their retainers
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of retainer
In addition to the charges, he has also been issued a warrant out of the Suffolk Superior Court for violation of probation and a parole retainer.
—
Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026
The TikTok creator was landing retainer deals, working with big brands, and signing onto monthly video packages.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 11 May 2026
How To Improve Your Soil's Moisture Retention A short-term solution for small areas or containers with hydrophobic soil is a commercial wetting agent, often called water retainers or penetrants.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
The Heat need a toe doctor on retainer.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retainer
Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026
The TikTok creator was landing retainer deals, working with big brands, and signing onto monthly video packages.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 11 May 2026
How To Improve Your Soil's Moisture Retention A short-term solution for small areas or containers with hydrophobic soil is a commercial wetting agent, often called water retainers or penetrants.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
The Heat need a toe doctor on retainer.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retainer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retainer
Noun
-
Michelangelo’s to-do lists, on the other hand, were really get-the-servant-to-do lists.—
Patricia Marx,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
-
Robin is all but accused of being a runaway servant; Franklin had indeed broken his indenture to his older brother.—
John Swansburg,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Other people may have been exposed at nearby health facilities, which are contacting their patients and employees directly.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
-
Human resources specialists These workers oversee hiring, orientation and ongoing support for employees, handling recruitment, benefits and workplace concerns.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
On the other side of the dining room, a swinging door leads to a kitchen with glass-front cabinets and a door to a maid’s room with another bathroom.—
Jesse Armas,
Curbed,
16 June 2026
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Now footsteps are heard rushing up from the floor below, and Varsha is soon surrounded by her aunt’s retinue of maids and household staff.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
In reality, though, most workers don’t get to retire on their own terms.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
-
Protests, backed by workers unions, farmers and supporters of former President Evo Morales, are demanding Paz resign.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retainer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retainer. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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