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

Relevance

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 Horned Frogs signed Oklahoma State transfer Noah McKinney and Florida International transfer Jaheim Buchanon while also retaining experienced players like Cade Bennett and Ben Taylor-Whitfield. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2026 On September 19, Miller’s forecast gave the Republicans an almost 36% chance of retaining control of the upper chamber. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026 The vicious cycle of the current model, of course, is that to become marketable a team needs to get and retain good players, and to do that a school has to spend money, which cycles the whole thing back to the start. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 On red carpets and social media alike, celebs and trendsetters seem to be moving away from ultra-glowy, glazed donut finishes in favor of skin that retains its texture, depth, and natural glow. — Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retain

Verb

His critics see a president who failed to tame inflation and keep America out of overseas conflicts, and whose agenda has fueled higher prices as the war with Iran appears to be at a stalemate.

— JOSH BOAK, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
The effort is meant to bring new jobs and millions of dollars to the state as the GOP seeks to keep control of both chambers in the midterm elections next month.

— Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of keep

Verb

The location is set to employ around 100 people and will feature a full-service dining room and bar, private dining room, carryout, delivery and catering service, a news release from Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria said.

— Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Much of that growth came from banks and other financial firms hiring AI talent, though the Bay Area still employs more AI specialists.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of employ

Verb

Until now, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has insisted the men were still alive and being held by gangs.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
The Boise State defense also produced a turnover-on-downs in the final minutes, batting away several shots at the end zone to hold the Cougars to 10 points.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of hold

Verb

LaGrone was directed not to possess weapons, alcohol or drugs and remain under the care of a person whose initials are noted in a document.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
The person in charge did not possess a valid Food Protection Manager Certificate.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of possess

Verb

Lee recruited a friend to help move the box to her bedroom, but the setup itself took less than 10 minutes.

— Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026
The Atlanta rapper just announced Fresh—the follow-up to his 2025 studio effort Wham and subsequent mixtape The Leaks—and has recruited frequent collaborators Future and Young Thug for features, alongside Rylo Rodriguez, Bally Baby, and Fatt Smaxx.

— Alex Suskind, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of recruit

Verb

Defensive end Blake Herold provided the biggest special-teams moment, blocking a 45-yard field-goal attempt by Rhett Armstrong with 18 seconds remaining to preserve the one-point win.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026
On the day of the operation, Thompson called on Acting ICE Director David Venturella to investigate the collision, including by preserving evidence and cooperating with local authorities.

— Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of preserve

Verb

Now owned by the state of Bavaria, the ⁠Kehlsteinhaus was classified after the war as a historical monument recalling the Nazi period.

— Reuters, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
The house is owned by his father-in-law, Robert Brockway, who owned a group of Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the Miami metropolitan area.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of own

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retails

retain

retained

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Style

“Retain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retain. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of retain

verb

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