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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.

Cook them until they yield slightly but retain their brightness.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

Hermeus does engine testing in Jacksonville, Fla., and has engineering offices in Hawthorne that it plans to retain.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Treasury said it would retain control over the app and operations for these initial accounts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

A bloodied Lauren Price dug deep to beat Stephanie Pineiro on points to retain her welterweight world titles in Cardiff before calling for a future fight with Claressa Shields.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

His ear focused on the howl of the aircraft and an unformed prayer arose in him that this engine retain its demon whine, its savage articulation.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy