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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of retains
He will not be traded, in my mind, unless Anaheim retains half of his remaining salary.
—
Pierre Lebrun, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
In addition, artificial turf retains heat, often reaching temperatures of 150-180 degrees Fahrenheit on warm, sunny days.
—Noël Fletcher, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
The result is a crystal-clear Tequila that retains vanilla and caramel notes typically found in aged Tequilas.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
The agency was co-founded by Giants legend Michael Strahan and retains Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce as a client.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Known for the Southampton Polo Club and the annual Hampton Classic—one of the nation’s premier equestrian events—the area retains a rural character and a strong connection to its agrarian past.
—Emma Reynolds, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Downtown Los Angeles retains much of the style of a bygone era.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Despite these themes, the book somehow retains a hopeful tone.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024
Ukraine launched an incursion into Kursk in August and still retains some settlements there.
—Kostyantyn Hak, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
Pierre Lebrun, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
In addition, artificial turf retains heat, often reaching temperatures of 150-180 degrees Fahrenheit on warm, sunny days.
—Noël Fletcher, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
The result is a crystal-clear Tequila that retains vanilla and caramel notes typically found in aged Tequilas.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
The agency was co-founded by Giants legend Michael Strahan and retains Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce as a client.
—Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Known for the Southampton Polo Club and the annual Hampton Classic—one of the nation’s premier equestrian events—the area retains a rural character and a strong connection to its agrarian past.
—Emma Reynolds, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Downtown Los Angeles retains much of the style of a bygone era.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Despite these themes, the book somehow retains a hopeful tone.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024
Ukraine launched an incursion into Kursk in August and still retains some settlements there.
—Kostyantyn Hak, CNN, 15 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retains
Verb
-
The film keeps us confined to Linda’s apartment, only occasionally breaking to bring us out onto the roof, the New York City afternoon (and eventually nighttime) backdrop a soothing balm to claustrophobia.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
27 Jan. 2025
-
While other shows would have wasted no time to set them up as a romantic couple, Mythic Quest keeps them as platonic friends while still managing to explore deep interpersonal issues.—
Joel Thayer,
Newsweek,
27 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The firm also invests through Aligned Solar Partners, which owns and operates solar, storage and other energy projects.—
Alan Neuhauser,
Axios,
11 Mar. 2025
-
Moskovitz owns a majority of Asana’s outstanding shares.—
Jesse Pound,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
According to the current budget, the City Attorney’s Office employs just under 425 people and will spend $85 million this year.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
-
The plant employs more than 7,000 people and produces a variety of vehicles, including the Leaf EV and Rogue crossover.—
Michael Wayland,
CNBC,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In contrast, a co-op owner holds shares in the corporation that owns the building, along with a proprietary lease granting them the sole right to occupy a specific unit.—
Gary Singer,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Everything about this washer dryer is convenient, including the intelligent dispenser that holds enough detergent and softener for up to 32 loads.—
Christopher Murray,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
After a chance encounter on Hollywood Boulevard when Edward stops to ask for directions, the corporate raider hires the street-smart Vivian to spend the night with him at his hotel, which ultimately turns into a week.—
Andrea Wurzburger,
People.com,
23 Mar. 2025
-
The couple even hires a nanny to care for the doll but shortly after her arrival, strange occurrences begin leading them down a dark path.—
Keith Langston,
People.com,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Meanwhile, Ralph Lauren possesses the global diversification and pricing power to limit downside risk induced by tariffs.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Higgins also has the positional flexibility to line up as a slot receiver, possesses excellent ball skills and is a smooth route runner.—
Tashan Reed,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
By the way, my friend now enjoys a generous retirement package.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Tesla faces the spotlight of quarterly earnings, while SpaceX enjoys the luxury of long-term vision without daily scrutiny.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
In addition to the musical reconstruction, McBurney has been making a contemporary English version of the libretto, with the translator Hannah Whitley, that preserves the original’s vernacular.—
Jeffrey Arlo Brown,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
-
Crawford's victory preserves the court's 4-3 liberal majority, safeguarding control of one of the most politically consequential state supreme courts in the nation.—
Jason D. Greenblatt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retains. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share