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

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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

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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

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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 Whether the House’s restrictive approach prevails or is watered down in negotiations with the Senate could determine not only the future of the emergency fund but also how much unilateral spending power Florida’s governor retains as hurricane season looms over the coming year. —

Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026 Competitive pay is crucial to attract, retain and respect our teachers — and to provide students with classroom stability. —

Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026 Rights holders receive 80 percent of rental revenue; Pijama retains 20 percent, most of which, for the foreseeable future, will go toward operating costs. —

Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026 The states are struggling to find a way to save enough water so that the two largest reservoirs on the river and in the nation — Lakes Mead and Powell — retain water levels capable of producing hydropower and of supplying downstream users in the Lower Basin and Mexico. —

N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retain

Verb

This McGill and Chinese University of Hong Kong grad also has bylines in Architectural Digest, Men's Journal, Town & Country, and Observer—occasionally trading his keyboard for time in front of cameras for brand campaigns or keeping conversations flowing as a panel moderator.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Gabe Gordon and Timothy Gibbons leaned into the Olympics mood while keeping it hot and fun with a collection influenced by ’80s figure skaters, school girls and a whole lot of vintage Americana.

— Irene Kim, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2026

Definition of keep

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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 16 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 16 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of retain

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