retention

noun

Definition of retentionnext
as in maintenance
the act of keeping something or someone The company's rate of employee retention is 80 percent.

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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 retention Friday, the House Judiciary Committee will hear testimony about the court’s workload and retention. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 21 July 2026 Other potential side effects include acne, breast tenderness or enlargement, fluid retention and worsening symptoms of untreated sleep apnea. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 20 July 2026 Jackson, the superintendent of enterprise services, said Park and Recreation is encouraged by the high retention rate. — Diamy Wang july 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026 Attendees can learn how compost improves soil structure, aids moisture retention and supplies slow-release nutrients, and can join composting experts to explore backyard and worm composting through live demonstrations. — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for retention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retention
  1. maintenance
  2. retaining
  3. ownership
  4. support
  5. control
Noun
  • The Civil Aeronautics Board attributed the accident to inadequate maintenance that contributed to the engine failure and to the captain’s handling of the aircraft after power was lost.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
  • That said, keeping bouclé looking fresh is less about deep cleaning and more about staying on top of regular maintenance.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 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
  • Professionals increasingly want autonomy, flexibility, and ownership at work.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Neighbors must feel a sense of ownership over and connection with the space, especially for smaller parks without off-street parking.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of ownership
Noun
  • Furthermore, based on Warsh’s recent public comments, the task forces’ eventual findings could potentially provide support for an even more dovish agenda.
    — David Zhang, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Now in the back half of summer break, the couple are calling for additional support to keep their program funded until the beginning of the school year.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • Ceuta’s residents recalled a similar but smaller migration crisis in 2021, when the Moroccan government dropped its border controls and let several thousand people from Morocco and sub-Saharan countries into Ceuta over two days.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The competitive edge is shifting from raw model intelligence to efficient operations, specialized data, and infrastructure control.
    — Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of control

Browse Nearby Words

reteaching
retention
retentive
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Cite this Entry

“Retention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retention. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on retention

Nglish: Translation of retention for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retention

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