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
Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2026
But we’re invited to see him as, despite these foibles, amusing and retaining, and his cynicism about everything and his lack of moral scruple is—actually, we’re invited to see this as a kind of higher wisdom.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Pack a blanket or a warm outer layer Older people have a harder time producing, retaining, and circulating body heat.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
Lynch retaining seems likely, but Bella’s presence brings nostalgia and star power for the international audience.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
That’s why the Bulldogs placed a premium on retaining key players, including Elijah Griffin, Nate Frazier and KJ Bolden.
—Connor Riley, AJC.com, 7 May 2026
These albums are unique exercises for WiFi and his understated, malleable rapping—balancing acts for retaining his own singular style while melding with his producers’ beats.
—Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 6 May 2026
Researchers discovered that parks in South LA contained more heat-retaining materials such as artificial turf, concrete and rubber.
—Cbs La Staff, CBS News, 6 May 2026
Kraft Heinz recently introduced a version with electrolytes aimed at retaining customers as children age out of the brand.
—Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 6 May 2026
Since then, the reservation system has been tweaked repeatedly as administrators searched for a sweet spot between welcoming more visitors and retaining the peace of the great outdoors.
—Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Sorsby retaining Kessler was first reported by The Athletic.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 May 2026
But even if Tampa Bay spots and develops that talent, retaining it is another challenge.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 6 May 2026
Noun
The fabric is the smooth, soft feel that Lululemon is famous for, while still being breathable, sweat-wicking, and shape-retaining.
—Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2026
But we’re invited to see him as, despite these foibles, amusing and retaining, and his cynicism about everything and his lack of moral scruple is—actually, we’re invited to see this as a kind of higher wisdom.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Pack a blanket or a warm outer layer Older people have a harder time producing, retaining, and circulating body heat.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
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
This includes retaining at least 165 of the 177 tuition contracts that have already been signed by families as of April 27 for the 2026-27 academic year.
—Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
That’s why the Bulldogs placed a premium on retaining key players, including Elijah Griffin, Nate Frazier and KJ Bolden.
—Connor Riley, AJC.com, 7 May 2026
These albums are unique exercises for WiFi and his understated, malleable rapping—balancing acts for retaining his own singular style while melding with his producers’ beats.
—Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 6 May 2026
Researchers discovered that parks in South LA contained more heat-retaining materials such as artificial turf, concrete and rubber.
—Cbs La Staff, CBS News, 6 May 2026
Kraft Heinz recently introduced a version with electrolytes aimed at retaining customers as children age out of the brand.
—Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 6 May 2026
Since then, the reservation system has been tweaked repeatedly as administrators searched for a sweet spot between welcoming more visitors and retaining the peace of the great outdoors.
—Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Sorsby retaining Kessler was first reported by The Athletic.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 May 2026
But even if Tampa Bay spots and develops that talent, retaining it is another challenge.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retaining
Noun
-
According to the evaluation, 83% of participants receiving housing subsidies remained housed after one year, exceeding the program’s retention goal, while 56% of 460 participants studied obtained subsidies and secured housing.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
2 May 2026
-
But while Western knives tend to prioritize durability, many Japanese knife steels prioritize high carbon content for better sharpness and edge retention.—
Jesse Raub,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Here, the Sport+ drive mode does a commendable job of keeping the transmission in the meaty parts of the powerband, while dialing the dampers back to Sport achieves the right balance of body control and compliance on these less-than-perfect road surfaces.—
Bradley Iger,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
-
However, the best way to use this week is to practice a star-hop or two, keeping sessions short and focused.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
The ship is associated with Mordashov, a Russian billionaire and owner of steel magnate Severstal, with shipping records showing Mordashov’s wife Marina Mordashova, owning the vessel for a brief window in 2022.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
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The Stars are expected to follow the same game plan executed by the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers; move into a new venue, and create new revenue by owning the surrounding properties, too.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Local police departments are increasingly turning to surveillance drones to watch over peaceful protestors, occasionally even employing the same kind of hardware used by the US military.—
Joe Wilkins,
Futurism,
29 Apr. 2026
-
From there, the team asked them to continue performing the same activities while employing the HIPPO browser extension.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The only figures who seemed to take the RAISE Act personally were those who viewed any regulation of the industry as a major threat to both national competitiveness and their own equity holdings.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
-
The deal was done, officials said, to solidify the corporate balance sheet, bolster standing with rating agencies and focus more intently Sempra’s utilities holdings — SDG&E, SoCalGas and Oncor.—
Rob Nikolewski,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Landon said that by preserving farmland and supporting local producers, Placer County can remain strong for generations to come.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2026
-
The museum started out collecting and preserving historical artifacts, which has grown to a 40,000-piece collection.—
Amanda Rosa
May 7,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Turner lore suggested the college student was expelled from the Ivy League school for having a female student in his dormitory room.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
-
Jaxon’s father, Albert Juarez, acknowledged having serious health problems himself and a list of prescription painkillers.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
At a raucous commission meeting Tuesday, City Manager Rickelle Williams faced a storm of withering accusations in her initial job evaluation — mostly from Mayor Dean Trantalis, who eagerly supported hiring Williams last year but now scorns her in public.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
8 May 2026
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Last year, Scott clashed with Wyrick over the hiring process for a new city manager to replace Moore, who died in October 2023.—
Joseph Flaherty,
Arkansas Online,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retaining. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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