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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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

Noun

Training must continue, maintenance must be funded, and leadership must remain accountable, regardless of financial pressures.

— Dennis Speigel, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Such a concentration of power could prevent the effective maintenance of checks and balances on policy decisions by institutions.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 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

In the nineteenth century, demand for dog art only increased as dogs became widely celebrated for their moral values—and as dog ownership became associated with moral benefits for people.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
However, the Apollo deal marks only the third time that Mubadala Capital has agreed to sell an ownership stake to an external investor.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 28 Oct. 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

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Style

“Retention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retention. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of retention

noun

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