RETENTIVE Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

retentive

adjective

Definition of retentive

as in careful

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 Asters thrive in cooler, moisture-retentive soil and can tolerate partial shade, while morning glories prefer full sun and well-draining, poorer soils. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026 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 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 Energy firms tend to be slow to acquire as customers, but these energy targets are highly retentive once onboarded as customers. — John Tough, Forbes, 21 Dec. 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

So be careful about selling the Heat short, even if this roster might be one creative wing player short.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
Be careful what your advisers are telling you about immigration policy.

— Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of careful

Adjective

Almost 7% of Tarrant County kindergarteners had a conscientious exemption to at least one vaccine in the 2025-26 school year, up from 3% five years ago, according to state data.

— Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2026
Fretting about the future is a favorite preoccupation of the conscientious.

— Joe Fassler, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of conscientious

Adjective

Before deciding someone is reckless or overly cautious, look at what each of you is actually trying to protect.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
Markets still are developing despite cautious interest Even as perennial grain development steadily improves and more farmers sign on to grow it, there still are issues with consumer interest, federal support and research infrastructure.

— Joshua A. Bickel, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of cautious

Adjective

As for how her position on Disney and the FCC goes over with her colleagues, Gomez is more circumspect.

— Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026
However, when asked about any shenanigans Yungblud and Hill might have gotten into on the road, the singer remains circumspect.

— Katherine Turman, SPIN, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of circumspect

Adjective

Built from water-resistant, 100% cotton Ventile cloth, its classic design benefits from the thoughtful touch of adjustable side adjusters.

— Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2026
Good Zero-Proof Drinks Require More Ingredients, More Time Not only is there more time and labor often involved with these very thoughtful beverages, but raw material costs add up.

— Esther Tseng, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of thoughtful

Adjective

Her heedful eyes meet those of a young Black girl in overalls and braids on the other side of the room.

— Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 9 Aug. 2023
That’s partly because retailers have grown less heedful about developing the necessary pipelines, a problem that’s worsened in recent years as retailers saw profits crushed by a push into low-margin e-commerce.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2023

Definition of heedful

Browse Nearby Words

retention

retentive

retest

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Retentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retentive. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of retentive

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

pundit

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes