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
  • The move is a shift for a district that brought all leasing in-house in November 2020, shortly after Ed and Sasha Bass took sole ownership.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026
  • The Unified Government as of publication time did not answer questions seeking to understand how the ownership change would affect the property or its bond obligations.
    — Sofi Zeman July 24, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Definition of ownership
Noun
  • Faucette attributes her sleep triumph to family support and a new parental benefit offered by the city of Atlanta.
    — Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
  • Allen, who has been tracking the conflict, told CNN that drones are now used to monitor enemy movements, support ground operations, strike supply lines and attack infrastructure.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of support
Noun
  • Massive forest fires have forced the evacuation of some 200,000 people in southwestern France and central Spain, with residents fleeing towns near Madrid and Bordeaux on Friday as flames raged out of control.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • The Wildcats managed just two free throw makes in the entire Elam segment while KU took control of the contest.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 25 July 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 26 Jul. 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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