as in retention
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1
as in keeping
to continue to have in one's possession or power
I plan to retain the family heirlooms until my own children are mature enough to appreciate them, and then I will lovingly pass them on
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2
as in owning
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
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3
as in employing
to provide with a paying job
her neighbor retained her as a nanny for the summer, thus giving her something to do until school started again
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Recent Examples of retaining
Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
The contemporary hull is designed to maximize openness while retaining a close connection with water.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
Trump later withdrew her nomination amid concerns about Republicans retaining their slim House majority and Stefanik was given an honorary GOP House leadership position.
—Terry Collins, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Under the deal, Boyu Capital will hold up to a 60% interest in Starbucks retail operations in China of over 8,000 outlets, with the coffee chain retaining a minority 40% stake and continuing to license the Starbucks brand and intellectual property to the new entity.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
MicroCo, which has set its sights on releasing its app in the first half of 2026, plans on keeping costs low in part by retaining the microdrama tradition of working with largely unknown actors.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025
His team hammered visitors City 4-1 on November 5, and put another four past Braga five days later en route to retaining their Primeira Liga title.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 1 Nov. 2025
Attracting and retaining young talent—many of whom are native AI users—puts a premium on authentic leadership, growth opportunities, and inclusive cultures, according to the panelists.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
The versatility of Collins to play anywhere on the defensive line could give Dallas a boost in multiple areas while also retaining the flexibility of some of its other defensive linemen such as Marshawn Kneeland.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
Lynch retaining seems likely, but Bella’s presence brings nostalgia and star power for the international audience.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
The signature lumber is low-maintenance and resists staining, fading, and retaining moisture — even in coastal and harsh climates.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
The contemporary hull is designed to maximize openness while retaining a close connection with water.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
Trump later withdrew her nomination amid concerns about Republicans retaining their slim House majority and Stefanik was given an honorary GOP House leadership position.
—Terry Collins, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Under the deal, Boyu Capital will hold up to a 60% interest in Starbucks retail operations in China of over 8,000 outlets, with the coffee chain retaining a minority 40% stake and continuing to license the Starbucks brand and intellectual property to the new entity.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
MicroCo, which has set its sights on releasing its app in the first half of 2026, plans on keeping costs low in part by retaining the microdrama tradition of working with largely unknown actors.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025
His team hammered visitors City 4-1 on November 5, and put another four past Braga five days later en route to retaining their Primeira Liga title.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 1 Nov. 2025
Attracting and retaining young talent—many of whom are native AI users—puts a premium on authentic leadership, growth opportunities, and inclusive cultures, according to the panelists.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
The versatility of Collins to play anywhere on the defensive line could give Dallas a boost in multiple areas while also retaining the flexibility of some of its other defensive linemen such as Marshawn Kneeland.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retaining
Noun
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As talent competition intensifies and employees grow impatient with illiquidity, mid-stage companies will use tenders as a core morale and retention lever.—
Allie Garfinkle,
Fortune,
6 Jan. 2026
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His value, however, especially in a world without double retention, should clearly and easily exceed that of Beauvillier, Tanev and Frederic.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Bure is keeping her faith — and her Christmas crown — shining bright.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Martin legitimately pinned the Saints’ offense on almost every drive in the first half, keeping the game close, even with New Orleans leading at halftime.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Chieng appealed to the scientist in Dubner while absolutely owning the pop scientist, and that’s a gorgeous move for an interviewer.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
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Dane, of Sanford, sold his car last year because of the high costs associated with owning a vehicle and has since relied on public transportation.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Russia has been pounding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with drones and missiles in recent weeks, employing a tactic used in previous winters.—
Daria Tarasova-Markina,
CNN Money,
2 Jan. 2026
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Local productions shifted away from sweeping narratives toward stories reflecting everyday life, employing diverse visual styles and genres to meet varied audience preferences.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
1 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The fund’s second top holding as of Friday’s close is Palantir Technologies, according to State Street’s website.—
Blair Bao,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
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And participants with the top 20% of stock holdings are especially optimistic.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Preserving income, insurance and retirement Financial security also depends on preserving income and protecting loved ones.—
Bruce Helmer,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Created during the prolific reign of Louis XIV, the Académie Française has played a significant role in shaping French culture, preserving and updating the country’s language, grammar and usage over time.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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There were fires that needed putting out across the team and having Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in form has helped extinguish a number of them.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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He was suspended to begin the 1995 season for cocaine and admitted to having a substance abuse problem.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Since 2022, numerous campuses have added new safety features – such as installing more cameras on campus and hiring additional police officers – while also working to strengthen their relationships with federal and local law enforcement, according to Inside Higher Ed.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
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The defense lawyer had long since moved on from the Rideout case to defend other clients, including one accused of hiring someone to kill his former wife.—
Sarah Weinman,
Rolling Stone,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retaining. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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