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

If the buyer is not a U.S. company and does not desire to grant stock options or equity incentives, what types of cash compensation plans will the buyer use to retain key employees of the seller? —Allbusiness, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025

Finally, pay a visit to a former U.S. Weather Bureau Station building which now functions as a welcome center but retains its 1901 appearance and can give further insight into weather forecasting sciences of the past. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025

The Supreme Court emphasized that Trump retains the right to appeal the conviction and pursue claims of procedural violations in the lower courts. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

Prosecutors proved beyond any reasonable doubt that Trump disguised the reimbursement as payments to retain Cohen's legal services, according to the 12 jurors who unanimously convicted the former reality TV star. —Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025

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