retentive

Definition of retentivenext

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 retentive Cabbage plants also benefit from moisture-retentive clay as long as gardens don’t stay soggy long enough to lead to rot. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026 The velocity of decisions and the inverse of that, though, is when these decisions are made, there are incredibly sticky and retentive businesses. Aaron Weitzman, Axios, 9 Sep. 2024 Industrial facilities are designed using environmentally conscientious materials including white roof decks, LED lighting and water-retentive landscaping techniques. David Welch, Forbes, 12 Apr. 2022 As well as attracting a significant number of new Discovery+ subscribers, sports broadens its appeal throughout the whole household and provides consumers an even greater, more retentive value proposition. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2022 They're known for great listening—and they are retentive with a good memory. Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, 22 Oct. 2021 Jane was an anal retentive young mom whose professional dream was to become a bestselling novelist. Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2021 Her ministers fear her ferociously retentive memory for the details of their portfolios—including the particulars of complex technical and scientific issues, such as trade, digital technology, and, lately, the pandemic. Constanze Stelzenmüller, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retentive
Adjective
  • Just be careful not to add water, since even tiny amounts can cause melted chocolate to turn into a grainy, clumpy mess.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Ultimately, the widespread adoption of AI for mental health constitutes a global experiment with both potential benefits and serious downsides that require careful management.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Can its legions drink that much beer and still be conscientious enough to clear away the trash?
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2026
  • Trea Turner was conscientious enough to wait for his double-play partner, Bryson Stott, who had authored one of the finest games of his career.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Berkeley adopted a more cautious approach.
    Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 June 2026
  • The data also points to a more cautious approach to automation than much of the AI industry’s messaging might suggest.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • The mayor was circumspect about just how long the new water plant might be around.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 21 June 2026
  • But Warsh has frequently cited as a model former chair Alan Greenspan, whose circumspect comments often kept investors guessing.
    Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Not only is the water less aesthetically pleasing, but Abrams is wary of it.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026
  • Stiff opposition certainly will emerge, and cost-of-living worries have the public wary of being charged more for anything, but the new revenue is for popular spending targets.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • For daily commutes and weekend trips, this versatile pack looks simple but is packed with thoughtful features.
    Michelle Parente, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2026
  • While no one can eliminate the risks associated with severe weather, thoughtful preparation can reduce those risks substantially.
    Stephen Hauptman, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • In ancient times a heedful list is a ship of the mind.
    Jay Pilgreen, Kansas City Star, 12 Feb. 2024
  • Enduring decades of bans for its salacious content, D.H. Lawrence's 1928 avant-garde novel gets a fresh adaptation under the heedful eye of Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, who deftly explores the depths of female desire.
    Lia Beck, EW.com, 12 Jan. 2024

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retentive. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on retentive

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster