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 Rarely can a first-time SEC coach retain a 1,170-yard rusher. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026 Centella asiatica and tocopherol work together for hydration, which lactic acid acts as a humectant to lock in moisture and retain a lustrous look. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026 Nevertheless, across multiple administrations, the United States retained deliberate ambiguity on this front. — Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 Other failures were linked to generic AI tools that may answer individual questions effectively but do not necessarily retain or adapt from those interactions. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retain

Verb

The fewer than 200 attendees at last week’s semi-secret session in the museum’s intimate Clive Davis Theater had done a good job of helping keep the nature of the performance under wraps until now.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
Because something unexpected could impact your money or your possession, keep your eyes open!

— Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of keep

Verb

Mayer didn’t have that opportunity in the majors, spending chunks of time at second (53 games), third (39) and shortstop (26).

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
The neighborhood The island of Sveti Klement has no roads or cars, just a couple of tractors and a golf buggy to add to the pleasant feeling of being in your hideaway.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of have

Verb

Even if a job listing is not a scam, a company may post a role while planning to hire internally or recruiting someone already employed elsewhere.

— Rachel Barber, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
Nearly a decade later, the populist movement has become strong, emboldened to employ an increasingly aggressive narrative towards the immigrant community in the region, especially Muslims.

— Vasco Cotovio, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of employ

Verb

York, 46, was arrested by the East Palestine Police Department initially on misdemeanor charges of engaging in prostitution that was amended to disorderly conduct, and possessing criminal tools.

— Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026
York was initially charged with engaging in prostitution, but the charges were reduced to disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools, according to court records.

— Noe Padilla, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of possess

Verb

The boyfriend of an 18-year-old college soccer player in Washington County, Pennsylvania, is accused of fatally stabbing her, putting her body in the hatch of her vehicle and recruiting his mother for help disposing of the body, authorities said.

— Michael Guise, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
How Gates applied the course to her advantage Gates turned to the network of students to recruit employees for her then-budding startup, Phia, according to the Stanford Daily.

— Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of recruit

Verb

At that time, the boardwalk was only 1 mile long and 8 feet wide, and it could be taken apart and preserved during the winter.

— Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
The latter was made by Collectiva Concepción, a Mexico City brand that seeks to support artisans in rural communities and preserve many of Mexico’s textile traditions.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of preserve

Verb

Jones applied through the nonprofit New York Foundation for Senior Citizens (NYFSC) and was matched with an elderly woman who owns a home in Jamaica, Queens.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Geoff Wilson, a 2001 UF graduate from Sarasota, owns the only one printed.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of own

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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 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of retain

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