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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The Fed’s primary role is setting the target federal funds rate, operating on a dual-mandate system to steady inflation and keep employment robust.—
Derek Saul,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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And importantly for companies, why employ thousands of humans to answer those calls?—
Rohan Goswami,
semafor.com,
1 July 2025
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Israeli warships and ground launchers also employ the medium/long-range Barak air defense system, which compared to David’s Sling is fully-indigenous, cheaper and slightly shorter-ranged.—
Sebastien Roblin,
Forbes.com,
1 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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Premieres will be held Thursday, January 22, to Tuesday, January 27, where audiences will see films, episodic projects, and more for the first time, with additional showings throughout the entire Festival.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
14 July 2025
Verb
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The Italian side possess a serious number of defenders who are simply not good enough to represent a club with ambitions of winning Serie A while competing in the UEFA Champions League.—
Adam Digby,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
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One of the great mysteries of my family life is what possessed two teenage sisters at the turn of the 20th century to leave home in Rzeszow, Poland, and head for a new life in America.—
Bob Kustra,
Chicago Tribune,
6 July 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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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Effective legislation can preserve local control and ensure rigorous design standards, while also making sure that housing is built where it’s needed most.—
Laura Friedman,
Oc Register,
7 July 2025
Verb
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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
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The family's artisanship has attracted stars like Los Lobos, who own custom guitars made by all three generations of the Delgado family.—
Michal Ruprecht,
NPR,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retain. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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