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

Together, these technologies are designed to ensure that Iran retains at least part of its ballistic missile force even after a large-scale attack. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026

Even its bridal jewelry retains an element of discretion, including a small gold heart concealed inside certain bands and positioned close to the wearer. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 14 July 2026

Gus is unusual, according to the auction house, because the fossil retains some bones called gastralia. — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 14 July 2026

The Star-Telegram retains independence in all coverage decisions. — Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

It is made from non-stick stoneware that retains heat, keeping your dishes warm or cool on the counter for longer than a traditional serving dish would. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

New Line retains the international rights to Nightmare on Elm Street. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026

Once removed from the stove, the heavy pot retains its warmth, keeping the marshmallow mixture soft and easy to stir, rather than firming up quickly once the cereal is added. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 13 July 2026

Or, the family retains voting control but empowers a world-class professional management team to run daily operations without meddling, as seen at Hyatt or McCormick & Co. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026