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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of retain
Peter Shane, an adjunct professor at New York University School of Law, told USA TODAY that over the years Congress has given the president authority to move parts of agencies around, but retained veto authority over the changes following the 1930s New Deal.
—
Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Schools have used the money to recruit and retain educators during the state’s ongoing teacher shortage.
—Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
The bottom line was that the Heat were not going to be able to retain Duncan at much less than $20 million, which makes the actual price points for the Heat relatively equal.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2025
And eye contact retains its power with adults, as over the course of a conversation, eye contact is made through a series of glances – to gauge reactions or indicate attention.
—Carol Kinsey Goman, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for retain
Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Schools have used the money to recruit and retain educators during the state’s ongoing teacher shortage.
—Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
The bottom line was that the Heat were not going to be able to retain Duncan at much less than $20 million, which makes the actual price points for the Heat relatively equal.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2025
And eye contact retains its power with adults, as over the course of a conversation, eye contact is made through a series of glances – to gauge reactions or indicate attention.
—Carol Kinsey Goman, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for retain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retain
Verb
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Discover easy meal prep strategies, nutritious grab-and-go options, and time-saving hacks to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.—
Essence,
Essence,
10 July 2025
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Fill your container with soil, spread the seeds, mist with water daily, and keep them in a sunny spot or under grow lights.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Before the death at the house, Snow Angels had nearly no citations or issues with the state Department of Social Services, according to the business’ licensing file reviewed by the Union-Tribune.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
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Vientos was in the lineup Friday hitting fifth against right-hander Michael Wacha, who has neutral splits against righties and lefties.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
12 July 2025
Verb
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The outlets reported that Robinson was employed as a security guard.—
Michael Nied,
People.com,
15 July 2025
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University policy allows the Office of Institutional Equity to close investigations when a subject is no longer employed there.—
Grace Gilson,
Sun Sentinel,
15 July 2025
Verb
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And believe it or not, plenty are genuinely comfortable, holding their own against traditional footwear.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
15 July 2025
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For years, top Trumpworld figures, some of whom currently hold top administration posts, and even the president himself, speculated about Epstein’s death and his alleged blackmail operation.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Marvel at Nocturnal Birdlife Across the United Kingdom The United Kingdom may not possess the towering megafauna found across Asia and Africa, but according to Adventure Tours UK Co-Founder Claire Copeman, there’s plenty of captivating wildlife to encounter across Great Britain during the night.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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Newton possessed the speed to beat defenders, but had the strength of a fullback.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
Verb
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And Musk ‒ despised by many on the left and now seemingly a Trump foe ‒ would need to recruit candidates to a party that lacks a clear agenda.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
9 July 2025
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Colorado College under Kris Mayotte has smartly recruited mid-round picks who were top players for their CHL teams, but are maybe not marquee names.—
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
Verb
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The difference could confuse beneficiaries, according to National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, a non-profit advocating to preserve and strengthen Social Security and Medicare.—
Alicia Adamczyk,
Fortune,
7 July 2025
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So, how can your clean-label brand preserve its reputation and product integrity when higher tariffs threaten this promise?—
Eran Mizrahi,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Verb
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But here’s the difference: Those businesses are owned by the families.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
13 July 2025
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The Backstreet Boys own the distinction as the first pop act to play the Sphere, which has hosted U2, the Eagles, Dead & Company, Phish and Kenny Chesney.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retain. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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