RETENTIVE Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

retentive

adjective

Definition of retentive

as in careful

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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 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

Along with potentially leeching microplastics into your food, plastic food storage containers absorb stains, odors, and flavors, and many require careful hand-washing to prevent them from warping.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2026
Gallery visitors were careful not to step on the sprawling assemblage of photographs, drawings and artifacts scattered across the floor.

— Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of careful

Adjective

Once reading time kicked off during a recent meetup, the only sounds from the group were the quiet rustle of pages turning and the conscientious nibbling of snacks and sipping of tea as the cafe continued its bustle.

— Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 22 Oct. 2026
Even if every senator were ethical, conscientious and committed to the public good, the incentives would remain the same.

— Nicholas Jacobs, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of conscientious

Adjective

Be cautious about unfamiliar apps with extensive permissions.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
And while Denton appears to be the right person to focus on cost savings and efficiencies, Wall Street remained cautious on the timing of Nike’s turnaround.

— Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of cautious

Adjective

In the comments section, one resident was frustrated but circumspect.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose religious-nationalist coalition is projected to lose its governing majority at the October 27 election, has been more circumspect.

— Reuters, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of circumspect

Adjective

Amazon’s $200 billion in third-quarter revenues were not enough to reassure investors, who have grown wary of the AI trade as surging debt and financing costs outpace revenues and push firms into negative cash flows.

— Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Although the exhibition bears his name, McGee is wary of being the center of attention.

— Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of wary

Adjective

Media companies — like ours — will be there to keep you company, of course, in our case with superb analysis and a thoughtful afternoon livestream.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026
The Woobles Beginner Crochet Amigurumi Kits are fun for experienced stitchers and beginners alike, and make for thoughtful holiday gifts, too.

— Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Nov. 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

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“Retentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retentive. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of retentive

adjective

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