retention

noun

re·​ten·​tion ri-ˈten(t)-shən How to pronounce retention (audio)
Synonyms of retention
1
a
: the act of retaining : the state of being retained
b
: abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity
2
a
: power of retaining : retentiveness
b
: an ability to retain things in mind
specifically : a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible
3
: something retained

Examples of retention in a Sentence

the recruitment and retention of good employees the retention of profits from all sales pills to offset water retention the retention of things learned in school They say the herb promotes memory retention.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Before connecting an account, check the agent’s privacy settings and data-retention policies. — Marty Swant, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 Leaders who’ve shifted to more human-centric practices report real, measurable payoff, like better employee satisfaction and retention, stronger trust, sharper decision-making and greater resilience. — Tim Brackney, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Opioids can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, urinary retention, sleepiness and difficulty thinking clearly. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 26 Oct. 2026 The researchers also flagged concerns about lengthy data-retention periods, the handling of children’s data, and a lack of transparency in companies’ privacy policies. — Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retention

Word History

Etymology

Middle English retencioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin retention-, retentio, from retinēre to retain — more at retain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of retention was in the 14th century

Rhymes for retention

See All Rhymes for retention

Browse Nearby Words

retent
retention
retentionist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retention.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retention. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

retention

noun
re·​ten·​tion ri-ˈten-chən How to pronounce retention (audio)
1
: the act of retaining : the state of being retained
2
: power of retaining
3
: something retained

Medical Definition

retention

noun
re·​ten·​tion ri-ˈten-chən How to pronounce retention (audio)
1
: the act of retaining: as
a
: abnormal retaining of a fluid or secretion in a body cavity
retention of urine
retention of bile
b
: the holding in place of a tooth or dental replacement by means of a retainer
2
: a preservation of the aftereffects of experience and learning that makes recall or recognition possible

Legal Definition

retention

noun
re·​ten·​tion ri-ˈten-chən How to pronounce retention (audio)
1
: the act of retaining or the state of being retained
2
: the portion of the insurance on a particular risk not reinsured or ceded by the originating insurer

More from Merriam-Webster on retention

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for retention

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retention

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