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 next

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 Tarrant County Commissioners Court will consider approving another $20,000 to retain outside legal counsel for a jailer involved in the death of Marine veteran Anthony Johnson Jr. last April. —

Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2025 The Canucks did not retain any money on Miller’s contract in the trade. —

Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025 Transportation accidents retain the ability to surprise. —

Matthew L. Wald, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2025 His 2018 budget also held back spending on the NEA, but Congress retained it for another year. —

Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for retain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retain

Verb

As participants ate and drank their way through the three days, researchers kept close tabs on their oral and gut microbiota.

— Sarah Garone, Health, 4 Feb. 2025
But persistent jitters about long-term uncertainty kept stocks from having a positive day.

— Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025