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 In the long term, analyzing chargeback data can actually improve customer retention by identifying legitimate issues customers are having that the merchant might not otherwise know about. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026 And RegisHR says its 97% client retention rate can be directly connected to its high employee retention rate. — Bob Helbig, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026 Still, parents can ask about retention policies and security safeguards. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026 Culex mosquitoes can breed in a wide range of habitats, including storm drains, roadside ditches, retention ponds, wetlands and other standing water. — Kylee Rae Noel, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retention
  1. maintenance
  2. retaining
  3. ownership
  4. support
  5. control
Noun
  • Local governments could lose $12 billion annually by 2031, estimates from the state showed, prompting dire warnings from leaders about inevitable cuts to both popular and essential services, from park maintenance to fire response.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Hurst, a member of Folsom’s Planning Commission who previously worked for the California Department of Finance, emphasized responsible spending, transparency and addressing the city’s growing maintenance needs.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 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
  • The backstory Hotel Nikko San Francisco opened in 1987 under the ownership of Takenaka Corporation, one of Japan’s largest architecture and engineering firms, and is part of the Okura Nikko Hotels portfolio.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The union has long contended that teams can generate revenue and profits outside of the MLB club through mixed-use developments, RSN ownership and other avenues.
    — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of ownership
Noun
  • Industry support When Corral’s exit from Movistar Plus was announced last year, there was an outpouring of anger, grief and concern from Spain’s creative community that is rarely afforded to a commissioning executive.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026
  • As the disease progresses, muscles deteriorate, limiting the ability to hold one’s head upright, sit without support, raise arms or even breathe.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • Following a sloppy start Friday on the offensive end and an underwhelming start on the defensive end, the Heat flipped a switch midway through the second quarter to take complete control of the game.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2026
  • The race is among a handful of Senate contests this year expected to determine control of the chamber.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of control

Browse Nearby Words

reteaching
retention
retentive
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retention. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on retention

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retention

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