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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retains
Centralized high-scale manufacturing retains advantages for standardized products with stable demand, long runs and low sensitivity to distance.
—
Robert C. Wolcott,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
As a result, your body retains more heat, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
—
Nancy Badertscher,
AJC.com,
29 June 2026
Roberts retains about one-third voting control in Comcast through his ownership of Class B super-voting shares.
—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
29 June 2026
The opposition views the initiative, proposed by Pastef, Sonko's party, as political revenge by the former prime minister, who retains significant influence over the parliamentary majority.
—
ABC News,
29 June 2026
While Baidu retains a controlling stake, the company operates independently and has broadened its scope to external sales over the past two years.
—
Justina Lee,
CNBC,
29 June 2026
Oat milk retains some of that beta-glucan, but the filtration process strains out a significant portion of heart-healthy soluble beta-glucan fiber.
—
Bridget Shirvell,
Martha Stewart,
28 June 2026
The microfiber fabric is feathery light and airy, but still retains a soft and cuddly feel to keep you comfortable no matter the season.
—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
27 June 2026
The small kitchen retains its midcentury charm, but open shelving above the counter provides an airier, more contemporary cupboard to show off Miranda-Martin’s dish and glassware collection.
—
Marissa Gluck,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
Robert C. Wolcott,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
As a result, your body retains more heat, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
—
Nancy Badertscher,
AJC.com,
29 June 2026
Roberts retains about one-third voting control in Comcast through his ownership of Class B super-voting shares.
—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
29 June 2026
The opposition views the initiative, proposed by Pastef, Sonko's party, as political revenge by the former prime minister, who retains significant influence over the parliamentary majority.
—
ABC News,
29 June 2026
While Baidu retains a controlling stake, the company operates independently and has broadened its scope to external sales over the past two years.
—
Justina Lee,
CNBC,
29 June 2026
Oat milk retains some of that beta-glucan, but the filtration process strains out a significant portion of heart-healthy soluble beta-glucan fiber.
—
Bridget Shirvell,
Martha Stewart,
28 June 2026
The microfiber fabric is feathery light and airy, but still retains a soft and cuddly feel to keep you comfortable no matter the season.
—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
27 June 2026
The small kitchen retains its midcentury charm, but open shelving above the counter provides an airier, more contemporary cupboard to show off Miranda-Martin’s dish and glassware collection.
—
Marissa Gluck,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retains
Verb
-
Imagine a supply chain agent that checks inventory levels regularly, spots potential shortfalls, keeps a list of alternative suppliers and makes purchases when needed.
-
The fact is the Original 13 state keeps some paperwork under lock and key for 100 years to everyone except the participants.
Verb
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The Illinois International Port District, the municipal corporation that owns the port, appears to be trying to stay out of it all, though Local 150 has pushed for the termination of QSL’s lease at the port.
-
Hyundai Motor Company, which owns Boston Dynamics, has sponsored FIFA for 27 years.
Verb
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Riles’s company now employs 18 people, and as of May, the company’s grown 43% year over year, according to John Helms, director of sales and business insights, clocking slightly over $10 million in revenue in 2025.
-
Alyse Lopez-Salm, who lives in a small North Carolina town close to the military base that employs her husband, is one of the 35 million Americans who work from home.
Verb
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The self-image of a predominantly Anglo civilization on the far side of the world—a distant, lucky country insulated from global conflict—no longer holds.
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Each carafe holds 35 ounces and features a narrow neck for easier pouring.
Verb
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Just like white vinegar, lemon juice has an acidity that can get rid of dullness affecting your whites.
-
Miami has 12 roster spots filled and will add two or three other players on value deals.
Verb
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Exposing city taxpayers to potential liability when CVI hires return to their past ways, which is known to happen, is extraordinarily misguided.
-
An organization that hires for potential and then assigns only narrow, low-risk work has not given potential a chance to prove itself.
Verb
-
The United States possesses the world’s strongest military, most innovative economy, and deepest capital markets.
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While Languedoc possesses remarkable varietal diversity, Legrand is quick to point out that grapes are only the starting point.
Verb
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Jaslyn is also very active and enjoys spending time outdoors.
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So the profit margin in a typical service firm tends to sit in the single digits, a world away from the fat margins a software company enjoys.
Cite this Entry
“Retains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retains. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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