RETENTION Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

retention

noun

Definition of retention

as in maintenance

the act of keeping something or someone The company's rate of employee retention is 80 percent.

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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 retention Luminate suggests the key benchmark is 50% retention rate, meaning at least half of the audience that started the first episode made it to the end. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026 Instead of maximizing the return on retention efforts, organizations spread investments evenly across an uneven customer base. — Dr. Vasudeva Akula, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Admissions officials said dropping the exam has not hurt retention or graduation, while faculty point to falling grades in introductory math. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 This new proposal amendment, if passed, won’t require retention of the building, which could become a preservationist issue. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retention

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retention

Noun

Preventive maintenance at a scale that was previously cost-prohibitive.

— Sumeet Salwan, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
The trade-off between delaying retirement and building new plants depends on fuel prices, plant efficiency and maintenance needs.

— Akshaya Jha, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of maintenance

Noun

Older people have a harder time producing, retaining, and circulating body heat.

— Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2026
The fabric is the smooth, soft feel that Lululemon is famous for, while still being breathable, sweat-wicking, and shape-retaining.

— Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2026

Definition of retaining

Noun

On a longer flight, having some additional neck support can make a significant difference.

— Julie Rousseau, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026
Days passed without the administration providing Impacted Party 1 any traditional support services, that would have included time off.

— Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of support

Noun

In fact, a 2025 study found that 28 percent of people with telogen effluvium had reduced ferritin levels, while no one in the control group had a deficiency.

— Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026
Also remember that anytime suspension components such as lower control arms are replaced, a wheel alignment should be performed afterward to ensure proper tire wear and handling.

— John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of control

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reteaching

retention

retentive

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“Retention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retention. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of retention

noun

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