retain

verb

re·​tain ri-ˈtān 

retained; retaining; retains

transitive verb

1

a

: to keep in possession or use

b

: to keep in one's pay or service

specifically : to employ by paying a retainer

c

: to keep in mind or memory : remember

2

: to hold secure or intact

Synonyms

• hold
• keep
• reserve
• withhold

Choose the Right Synonym for retain

keep, retain, detain, withhold, reserve mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control.

keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control.

keep this while I'm gone

retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

detain suggests a delay in letting go.

detained them for questioning

withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.

withheld information from the authorities

reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.

reserve some of your energy for the last mile

Examples of retain in a Sentence

A landlord may retain part of your deposit if you break the lease.

They insisted on retaining old customs.

You will retain your rights as a citizen.

The TV show has retained its popularity for many years.

The company's goal is to attract and retain good employees.

The team failed to retain him, and he became a free agent.

They have decided to retain a firm to conduct a survey.

You may need to retain an attorney.

Recent Examples on the Web

In America, no incumbent party with presidential approval ratings as low as Biden’s has ever retained power. —Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024

In some good news, Nvidia is upgrading the Priority tier for GeForce Now to support a higher display resolution while retaining the $9.99 cost. —Michael Kan, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024

Janssen believes the top two needs of the school district are retaining teachers and staff, but also financial transparency. —Hanna Kang, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024

Voters' choices in several swing districts will determine whether Republicans retain control, or whether Democrats achieve their goal of flipping the 30-member chamber. —Mary Jo Pitzl, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reteinen, retainen, from Anglo-French retenir, reteigner, from Latin retinēre to hold back, restrain, from re- + tenēre to hold — more at thin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

retain

verb

re·​tain ri-ˈtān 

1

a

: to keep in possession or use

you will retain your rights as a citizen

b

: to keep in pay or in one's service

especially : to employ by paying a retainer

retain an attorney

c

: remember sense 3

I can't retain phone numbers

2

: to hold secure or unchanged

land retains heat longer than water

Medical Definition

retain

transitive verb

re·​tain ri-ˈtān 

1

: to hold or keep in

retain fluids

2

: to keep in mind or memory

Legal Definition

retain

transitive verb

re·​tain ri-ˈtān 

1

: to keep in possession or use

2

: to keep in one's pay or service

specifically : to employ (as a lawyer) by paying a retainer