Synonyms of retains

retains

verb

present tense third-person singular of retain

1

as in keeps

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• keeps
• holds
• possesses
• preserves
• has
• withholds
• saves
• reserves
• protects
• conserves
• enjoys
• owns
• boasts
• holds on to
• manages
• hangs on to
• guards
• controls
• directs
• cherishes
• harbors
• rules
• detains
• commands
• treasures
• clings (to)
• hugs
• bears

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• relinquishes
• yields
• surrenders
• gives
• releases
• abandons
• contributes
• drops
• gives up
• donates
• rejects
• cedes
• loses
• discards
• dumps
• declines
• repudiates
• hands over
• hands out
• spurns

2

as in owns

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• owns
• has
• possesses
• enjoys
• holds
• keeps
• commands
• carries
• reserves
• rejoices in
• withholds
• boasts
• bears
• shows off
• sports

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lacks
• wants
• relinquishes
• abandons
• renounces
• yields
• disclaims
• surrenders
• discards
• requires
• rejects
• dumps
• cedes
• needs
• repudiates
• declines
• disowns
• hands over
• spurns

3

as in employs

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• employs
• hires
• recruits
• engages
• pays
• assumes
• signs (up or on)
• enlists
• fees
• places
• takes on
• lays on
• promotes
• jobs
• partners
• reengages
• rehires
• reemploys
• apprentices
• keeps (on)
• contracts
• upgrades
• subcontracts
• advances
• headhunts
• scouts

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dismisses
• cans
• discharges
• fires
• axes
• sacks
• furloughs
• locks out
• lays off

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of retains

The design retains a connection to the existing PAC-3 family. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

The newcomer retains the line’s signature sporty aesthetic and arrow-shaped planing hull, but introduces a new tri-deck arrangement. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

Overall, the new airport retains what travelers love about Burbank–small, efficient, and relatively stress-free–while adding more space, amenities, and a stylish upgrade. — Annita Katee, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

However, even in semi-automatic firing mode, the assault weapon is destructive and usually retains other military features. — Robert Spitzer, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026

The device retains the shape of an electric toothbrush while incorporating light-guiding filaments. — Advertorial, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026

The 2026 edition retains almost all of what was in the original. — C. Shardae Jobson, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026

Trump retains enormous influence among the Republican voters who powered his ascent, even as dissatisfaction with his leadership threatens candidates who must appeal beyond his most committed supporters. — Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026

Morocco is a constitutional monarchy where the king retains sweeping powers over foreign policy, defence and other key portfolios. — CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026