1 retain | Definition of retain
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retain

verb
re·​tain | \ ri-ˈtān How to pronounce retain (audio) \
retained; retaining; retains

Definition of retain

transitive verb

1a : to keep in possession or use
b : to keep in one's pay or service specifically : to employ by paying a retainer
c : to keep in mind or memory : remember
2 : to hold secure or intact
Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about retain

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Synonyms & Antonyms for retain

Synonyms

hold, keep, reserve, withhold

Antonyms

give up, hand over, release, relinquish, surrender, yield

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Choose the Right Synonym for retain

keep, retain, detain, withhold, reserve mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control. keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control. keep this while I'm gone retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss. managed to retain their dignity even in poverty detain suggests a delay in letting go. detained them for questioning withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go. withheld information from the authorities reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use. reserve some of your energy for the last mile

Examples of retain in a Sentence

A landlord may retain part of your deposit if you break the lease. They insisted on retaining old customs. You will retain your rights as a citizen. The TV show has retained its popularity for many years. The company's goal is to attract and retain good employees. The team failed to retain him, and he became a free agent. They have decided to retain a firm to conduct a survey. You may need to retain an attorney.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 This is set to be another cracking north London derby, with both sides determined to retain the bragging nights of north London. — SI.com, "Arsenal vs Tottenham Preview: Where to Watch, Buy Tickets, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News," 30 Aug. 2019 This is something that’s going to retain its value. — Scott Luxor, sun-sentinel.com, "‘Preaching the solar gospel’: Broward County residents embrace co-op," 29 Aug. 2019 Once the retail leader in kitchenware, Bed Bath & Beyond has struggled to retain consumers who are turning to deep discounters or shifting their spending online. — Sarah Min, CBS News, "Bed Bath & Beyond hires Goldman Sachs to explore asset sales," 29 Aug. 2019 That gives the Red Sox approximately two months to determine how best to retain the most important player in their lineup. — Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, "J.D. Martinez and Red Sox should stick together," 28 Aug. 2019 The Army, for example, ought to retain its robust Security Assistance Brigade capability. — James Jay Carafano, Twin Cities, "Carafano: Defending America after 2020," 22 Aug. 2019 State law requires public agencies to retain audio recordings of public meetings for at least 30 days. — David Hernandez, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Sweetwater Authority board establishes requirement to keep audio of committee meetings," 19 Aug. 2019 Instead of backfill dirt behind the new retaining wall, Kraemer will place large geofoam blocks. — Jon Murray, The Denver Post, "U.S. 36 collapse: CDOT sets timeline for highway fix as rebuilding effort begins," 14 Aug. 2019 Employers also could put more thought into how to better retain women, who tend to retire earlier than men. — Michelle Cheng, Quartz at Work, "The US industries where female representation is rising fastest," 14 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'retain.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of retain

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for retain

Middle English reteinen, retainen, from Anglo-French retenir, reteigner, from Latin retinēre to hold back, restrain, from re- + tenēre to hold — more at thin

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More Definitions for retain

retain

verb
How to pronounce retain (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of retain

formal
: to continue to have or use (something)
: to keep (someone) in a position, job, etc.
: to pay for the work of (a person or business)

See the full definition for retain in the English Language Learners Dictionary

retain

verb
re·​tain | \ ri-ˈtān How to pronounce retain (audio) \
retained; retaining

Kids Definition of retain

1 : to keep or continue to use They retain old customs.
2 : to hold safe or unchanged Lead retains heat.

retain

transitive verb
re·​tain | \ ri-ˈtān How to pronounce retain (audio) \

Medical Definition of retain

1 : to hold or keep in retain fluids
2 : to keep in mind or memory

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retain

transitive verb

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