RETAIN Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'retain' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of retain are detain , keep , reserve , and withhold . While all these words mean "to hold in one's possession or under one's control," retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss. // managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

Q: When is 'detain' a more appropriate choice than 'retain'?

The meanings of detain and retain largely overlap; however, detain suggests a delay in letting go. // detained them for questioning

Q: When might 'keep' be a better fit than 'retain'?

In some situations, the words keep and retain are roughly equivalent. However, keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control. // keep this while I'm gone

Q: When can 'reserve' be used instead of 'retain'?

The words reserve and retain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use. // reserve some of your energy for the last mile

Q: In what contexts can 'withhold' take the place of 'retain'?

The words withhold and retain can be used in similar contexts, but withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go. // withheld information from the authorities

retain

verb

ri-ˈtān

Definition of retain

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

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

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word retain distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of retain are detain, keep, reserve, and withhold. While all these words mean "to hold in one's possession or under one's control," retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

When is detain a more appropriate choice than retain?

The meanings of detain and retain largely overlap; however, detain suggests a delay in letting go.

detained them for questioning

When might keep be a better fit than retain?

In some situations, the words keep and retain are roughly equivalent. However, keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control.

keep this while I'm gone

When can reserve be used instead of retain?

The words reserve and retain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.

reserve some of your energy for the last mile

In what contexts can withhold take the place of retain?

The words withhold and retain can be used in similar contexts, but withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.

withheld information from the authorities

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of retain The foundation has retained law firm WilmerHale to conduct it, with findings expected this summer. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 30 June 2026 Venezuela's government, which has long retained control over access to information, offers daily casualty updates. — ABC News, 30 June 2026 Scientists have long sought materials that retain superconductivity at room temperature, a breakthrough that could transform power transmission and computing. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026 The Heat began Tuesday by retaining three-point shooting forward Simone Fontecchio in free agency, and then continued to address its need for outside shooting when league-wide free agent negotiations were permitted to begin Tuesday night. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for retain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retain

Verb

This version from Quince has a separate compartment for a laptop, as well as two separate sections to keep the remaining belongings organized.

— Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Beyond their cool-girl air, the shoes offer plenty of support and cushioning thanks to their plush insoles that keep your arches comfortable for hours of strutting.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 7 July 2026

Definition of keep

Verb

Krystal McFeders, a Unified Government spokesperson, confirmed Friday night that Chism is employed by the government.

— Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Should economic growth threaten one of those aspects, the FOMC is employed to move in order to deliver its objectives.

— Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 July 2026

Definition of employ

Verb

The next step in the process involves the city drafting a redevelopment plan outlining development standards before holding public hearings and seeking additional approvals.

— Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
The handoff that seems minor may decide whether the whole plan holds.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026

Definition of hold

Verb

Congress codified the ban into law in 2020, and said the F-35s could be transferred if Turkey no longer possessed the S-400s.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
The couple appeared in federal court on Monday, July 6, on charges of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute.

— Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Definition of possess

Verb

At that point, college programs weren’t lining up to recruit a 187-pound pass rusher who hadn’t played a down of high school football.

— Austin Meek, New York Times, 2 July 2026
There is a warning in all of this for the companies working hardest to recruit and retain young Black talent.

— Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of recruit

Verb

Behind Luka Doncic, the Lakers took care of Austin Reaves by agreeing to a four-year, $185-million contract that will be officially signed toward the end of the offseason to help the Lakers preserve maximum cap flexibility.

— Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
But the circular rose garden has been preserved and maintained, and buds begin to bloom in May, continuing through the summer.

— Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 June 2026

Definition of preserve

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retails

retain

retained

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“Retain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retain. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of retain

verb

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