Definitions

retain

[ri-teyn] / rɪˈteɪn /

VERB

hold on to physically or mentally

Synonyms

STRONGEST

absorb cling to contain enjoy have hold keep maintain own possess preserve recognize

STRONG

clutch detain grasp husband memorize mind recall recollect remember reminisce reserve restrain retrospect save withhold

WEAK

bear in mind hand onto hold fast keep in mind keep possession put away

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon desert disperse dispossess exclude ignore lack let go lose miss misunderstand need neglect not have release want

STRONG

disregard forget free liberate waste

WEAK

fire pass up spend

VERB

hire

Synonyms

STRONGEST

employ maintain pay

STRONG

commission contract engage reserve

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignore

STRONG

break off give let go

WEAK

fire free lose pass up release spend

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Despite being so vocal, Cudi still retains a mystique quality that fascinates fans.

From Los Angeles Times

Potts is keen to retain his place in England's XI when the Test summer begins in June.

From BBC

It would give the NFL more power to remove or retain the people calling the games.

From Los Angeles Times

"Either way, Congress will thereby retain its authority over the nation's property and its oversight over the Government's spending."

From Barron's

For those who retain their wits, the open questions are still interesting.

From The Wall Street Journal