retain

1
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

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

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 retain As part of the transition, Bezos retained the title of executive chairman. Annie Palmer, CNBC, 22 May 2025 The city has retained Shutts & Bowen for various legal matters in recent years. Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025 Agency Cuts and Accelerated Development The balance of the natural-resources portion of the budget bill retains many of the elements on its initial draft. Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 22 May 2025 All is classified as Extra Virgin, meaning a relatively low temperature was used during production to retain aromas. Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for retain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retain
Verb
  • Cruising Altitude: Air traffic control keeps planes moving.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • London kept control of the archipelago and renamed it as the British Indian Ocean Territory.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Billy has had an illustrious career over the years.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • As symbols of Floyd’s place in history have faded, so too have hopes for federal police reform, commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion and American optimism about the future of racial justice.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • According to data from the end of 2024, Stellantis currently employs approximately 34,000 people in Michigan, 75,000 nationwide and more than 248,000 globally.
    Liam Rappleye, USA Today, 29 May 2025
  • China has been employing its navy to further expand its military reach and presence, challenging America's naval dominance in the Pacific Ocean.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Kelly holds a political science degree from Wichita State University.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025
  • The Forty Mile Tattoo Convention will be held Friday, July 25, to Sunday, July 27, at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento, 3317 Forty Mile Road in Wheatland.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • The countries each possess about 170 nuclear weapons, according to the think-tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • In addition to their easily identifiable personas, these faces must possess genuine leadership qualities and backgrounds to guide the movement in the right direction.
    Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • She’s unexpectedly recruited by the brilliant but reclusive Fujitani to join Tenblank, where their rise to fame is complicated by personal secrets and industry challenges.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 May 2025
  • The party needs not just to recruit younger candidates.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 20 May 2025
  • Nitrates are commonly added to meat to preserve it, but unlike many fruits and vegetables, meats lack helpful antioxidants.
    Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Liberatore owns a rotation-best 2.73 ERA over 10 starts.
    Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 May 2025
  • Less than a day later, a crypto venture owned by the Trump family auctioned off a dinner with the President at one of his golf clubs.
    Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Retain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retain. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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