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 One thing Sam Fleming, the course operating manager, emphasized was the importance of player retention. — Joel Haley, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 10 July 2026 John Egan, the Drakes’ next-door neighbor, who has lived in his home for 20 years, said half of his yard and parts of other yards in the area have become de facto retention ponds for the village over the years. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 Strict policies govern data access, retention periods, training and oversight. — Charles "chuck" Broadway, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026 Of a big brand in a big city, staff retention can say much about a company's ethos and environment—and here, the guest feels it. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for retention

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retention

Noun

Much of the structure consists of repetitive precast concrete spans, an approach that accelerated construction and reduced maintenance costs over the bridge’s operational lifetime.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
The organization turned the house into a public museum and oversees its design preservation and all required maintenance to ensure the landmark will last for generations to come.

— Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026

Definition of maintenance

Noun

Nestlé has highlighted several long-term trends supporting that strategy, including cat ownership growing roughly three times faster than dog ownership in recent years and premium cat food outpacing premium dog food growth.

— Elsa Ohlen,Carolin Roth, CNBC, 18 July 2026
Bonta’s office did not respond to a request for comment on whether DHS ownership of the facilities could limit the state’s ability to enforce its oversight laws, including AB 103.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of ownership

Noun

Corlys, one of few characters on the show who has survived long enough to ask for a favor in return for his service, shares his plan with Rhaenyra, asking her earnestly for public support from the crown.

— Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Ukraine is expected to be central in Ankara, with debate focused on long-term military support, Kyiv’s own defense industry and what NATO can learn from the country after more than four years of full-scale war.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026

Definition of support

Noun

His ability to implement policies aimed at boosting economic growth — such as reindustrialization, building more social housing and taking greater public control of utilities — will also be severely constrained by weak government finances.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
In an increasingly unpredictable business environment, executives seek control over their biology through peptides, promising faster recovery and improved performance.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 17 July 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 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of retention

noun

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