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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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 22 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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