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
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
With his departure, retaining Baugh became necessary for what Sumrall is trying to establish.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Kit and Tim Kemp restored the structure with an emphasis on craftsmanship—retaining cornices, marble fireplaces, and staircases while layering modern textures and art.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Jan. 2026
Experts in the industry, who are not involved specifically in the Elland Road project, have told The Athletic that getting supporters as close to the pitch as possible is a priority for retaining atmosphere in stadiums.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Although retaining Burrell was a win, the Bobcats lost defensive lineman Jordan Sanders to the portal on Thursday.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
Denmark colonized Greenland 300 years ago and granted it the status of an autonomous territory in the 1970s, while retaining control of military and foreign policy.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 10 Jan. 2026
Loamy soil lets air circulate while still retaining needed moisture.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
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
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
Beyond raw power, the technology proved its resilience, retaining over 95 per cent of its performance after 1,100 hours of continuous use.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
With his departure, retaining Baugh became necessary for what Sumrall is trying to establish.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Kit and Tim Kemp restored the structure with an emphasis on craftsmanship—retaining cornices, marble fireplaces, and staircases while layering modern textures and art.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Jan. 2026
Experts in the industry, who are not involved specifically in the Elland Road project, have told The Athletic that getting supporters as close to the pitch as possible is a priority for retaining atmosphere in stadiums.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Although retaining Burrell was a win, the Bobcats lost defensive lineman Jordan Sanders to the portal on Thursday.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 10 Jan. 2026
Denmark colonized Greenland 300 years ago and granted it the status of an autonomous territory in the 1970s, while retaining control of military and foreign policy.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 10 Jan. 2026
Loamy soil lets air circulate while still retaining needed moisture.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retaining
Noun
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The nonprofit developer has a 96% housing retention rate and 96% participation rate for services across its permanent supportive housing portfolio, according to Carlos Rodriguez, management analyst for the Housing and Homeless Services Department.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Harrison said a retention and recruitment crisis is hurting Solano services.—
Ashley Sharp,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Saldaña has reason to feel good about keeping her box office crown, too.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Jan. 2026
-
If Payton’s keeping receipts, Superman is about to enter a no-fly zone.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
13 Jan. 2026
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
-
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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The changes the department has made include employing a medical doctor who is an addiction medicine specialist, reviewing methadone induction protocols at all facilities and the suspension of methadone induction at Garner.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Hamspon is employing a simplified one-dimensional model to accelerate simulations while coupling thermodynamic and neutronic effects.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Residential properties made up just under a third of the average family office's real estate holdings, per the same report.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
16 Jan. 2026
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With Jonathan Aspirot in the box for holding, Chandler Stephenson redirected a Jared McCann shot from the low slot past Swayman and the lead was halved.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Tributes and messages of condolence have poured in from customers, community members, and fans of the iconic restaurant, many of whom credited Pierce-Sherrod with preserving the spirit and legacy of Harold’s Chicken for future generations.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
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Most reported 10 to 12 months is a standard timeline to preserving an animal and mounting for customers.—
Erika Stanish,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The seemingly benign question, however, has already revealed itself as a flashpoint and the latest sign of the commission having its authority challenged.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
15 Jan. 2026
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Illinois’ balance of talent — in particular the combination of Wagler, Ivišić and Boswell — proved too much in the end for Northwestern, which has struggled despite having Martinelli return for his senior season.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Falcons began their search after hiring former longtime quarterback Matt Ryan as president of football.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Jan. 2026
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In these sectors, while unemployment hasn’t surged, hiring has essentially been frozen for the past year, especially for entry-level roles, as firms juggle worries over economic uncertainty and AI fears.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retaining. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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