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 12-article draft legislation outlines the procedures for the disarmament of the group — which still retains the bulk of its weapons — and the rehabilitation of thousands of PKK members. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

Employers should cease auditing health, design for fluctuation, ensure default accessibility, and cover costs, recognizing that universal access benefits everyone and retains talent. — Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

The watch comes in gray or titanium silver case options and retains its predecessor's squircle design, which mixes a rounded-square bezel with a circular watch face. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026

That was more than 25 years ago now, but the town retains the same residential, wave-worshipping vibes. — Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 10 Aug. 2026

Instead of a roof, the Bills new home retains the outdoor element that's an integral part of the NFL experience. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026

If such land owners do not accept federal payments for their land to be used, the government retains the legal power to seize private property for public use through eminent domain. — Connor Greene, Time, 6 Aug. 2026

These vital data pipelines, owned and operated by Silicon Valley tech giants, account for 70 % of usable undersea cables in 2026, yet Washington retains the right to restrict where these networks go and who has access. — Alex Capri, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

As a result, green tea stays lighter in color than black tea and retains more antioxidant catechin compounds. — Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 3 Aug. 2026