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
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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
Notable names to watch will be Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz if he is not retained in Cleveland, Denver Broncos passing game coordinator Jim Leonhard and Seattle Seahawks passing game coordinator Karl Scott.
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Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Jan. 2026
The Canucks can retain 50 percent of Sherwood’s salary and cap hit, which would put him at a $750,000 cap hit, below the veteran minimum.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
The Libertarian Party was the last to gain access to the ballot in 2016 and has retained that access, said Misha Mohr, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma State Election Board.
—Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice, 6 Jan. 2026
Middleton coached the past three seasons at Kansas State, but he was not retained when Collin Klein became head coach last month.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for retain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retain
Verb
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The project blends electric mobility with real-time AI while keeping the driver in control.—
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But Daniels kept getting hurt this season, managing to start only seven games and getting shut down in December after a series of injuries to his left knee, right hamstring and left elbow.—
Verb
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Boston's David Pastrnak had an assist on Lindholm's goal to extend his scoring streak to four games, with four goals and four assists in that span.—
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While past studies have shown that dairy products may have a protective effect against dementia, how specific dairy products affect cognitive health remains unclear.—
Verb
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The following three entries on the international top 5 liberally employ animation in their respective mise-en-scènes, but wouldn't qualify at the Golden Globes in the Best Animated Film category.—
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If available, employ your fog lights.—
Verb
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Miami’s first Black Art Basel exhibit was held at the Lyric Theater.—
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He was tagged and pictured holding a skull on the group page, ABC 6 reported.—
Verb
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Fetty pleaded guilty in 2022 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess cocaine across state lines.—
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Myers pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count each of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute near a school and illegally possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime.—
Verb
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Pitt defensive tackle Francis Brewu is another name worth tracking, considering new Irish defensive line coach Charlie Partridge recruited him into the Panthers program before taking a job with the Indianapolis Colts.—
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Probationary fire recruits training to join the department provided assistance with containing the fire, officials said.—
Verb
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Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.—
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This capability allows users to capture ultra-high-resolution video while preserving fine detail.—
Verb
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Forever Fleece Relaxed Crew Sweatshirt A quality crewneck sweatshirt is a staple that everyone should own.—
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Prominent academies in the country are owned and run by individuals instead of clubs.—
Cite this Entry
“Retain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retain. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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