Synonyms of retain

retain

verb

ri-ˈtān 

1

as in to keep

to continue to have in one's possession or power

I plan to retain the family heirlooms until my own children are mature enough to appreciate them, and then I will lovingly pass them on

Synonyms & Similar Words

• keep
• hold
• preserve
• possess
• save
• withhold
• have
• reserve
• protect
• conserve
• enjoy
• hold on to
• guard
• hang on to
• own
• manage
• boast
• control
• detain
• direct
• rule
• cherish
• treasure
• command
• cling (to)
• harbor
• bear
• hug

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• yield
• relinquish
• give
• surrender
• release
• give up
• abandon
• contribute
• drop
• donate
• discard
• lose
• cede
• hand over
• reject
• dump
• decline
• repudiate
• hand out
• spurn

2

as in to have

to keep, control, or experience as one's own

that author retains the right to veto any changes in his books suggested by his publisher's notoriously intrusive editor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• have
• possess
• own
• enjoy
• hold
• keep
• withhold
• command
• reserve
• carry
• rejoice in
• boast
• sport
• bear
• show off

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• want
• lack
• relinquish
• yield
• abandon
• renounce
• surrender
• discard
• require
• need
• dump
• reject
• cede
• disclaim
• decline
• repudiate
• disown
• hand over
• spurn

3

as in to employ

to provide with a paying job

her neighbor retained her as a nanny for the summer, thus giving her something to do until school started again

Synonyms & Similar Words

• employ
• recruit
• hire
• engage
• pay
• place
• enlist
• sign (up or on)
• assume
• fee
• take on
• lay on
• job
• promote
• partner
• rehire
• reengage
• reemploy
• subcontract
• upgrade
• keep (on)
• contract
• apprentice
• advance
• headhunt
• scout

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• can
• dismiss
• sack
• discharge
• axe
• fire
• ax
• lay off
• lock out
• furlough

Synonym Chooser

How is the word retain distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of retain are detain, keep, reserve, and withhold. While all these words mean "to hold in one's possession or under one's control," retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

When is detain a more appropriate choice than retain?

The meanings of detain and retain largely overlap; however, detain suggests a delay in letting go.

detained them for questioning

When might keep be a better fit than retain?

In some situations, the words keep and retain are roughly equivalent. However, keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control.

keep this while I'm gone

When can reserve be used instead of retain?

The words reserve and retain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.

reserve some of your energy for the last mile

In what contexts can withhold take the place of retain?

The words withhold and retain can be used in similar contexts, but withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.

withheld information from the authorities

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of retain

Cockscomb flowers retain their color very well when dried for floral arrangements. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025

Any anchor change on a TV news program is challenging, but that is especially true now, with the desire to retain the millions of loyal linear viewers, while also seeking new audiences that just aren’t seeing the show via that distribution method. —Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025

Businesses or people that sell or deal in firearms are required to be federally licensed by the ATF — they’re known as a federal firearms licensee — and they are mandated to retain records about gun purchases and transfers. —Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025

Some participants retained many donor strains, others very few. —New Atlas, 7 Sep. 2025