1
as in keeps
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in owns
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
3
as in employs
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
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 retains
According to the American Craft Spirits Association, American craft distilleries rose from 150 to 200 in 2010 to over 3,000 by 2023, and while that number has begun to level off over the past year, the craft whiskey industry retains its strong presence.
—
Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
The potential inclusions of right-hander Alexis Díaz (a former All-Star closer who still retains minor league options) and left-hander Jacob Latz (who will compete for the fifth starter job) could erase opportunities for others.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
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
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 Free Press retains editorial control of this work.
—Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 11 Feb. 2026
The company retains a presence in Bartlesville with its 440-acre Phillips 66 Research Center.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 11 Feb. 2026
Under his meticulous care, the gleaming red sports car has been souped up to generate 400-horsepower turbo performance, but retains much of the original features and feel.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
This Breitling Lady Premier Automatic in 36 mm contains Breitling’s in-house automatic caliber 10 with a 42-hour power reserve, but retains a feminine sensibility, with a colorful dial and dusting of diamonds on the lugs and bezel.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
The potential inclusions of right-hander Alexis Díaz (a former All-Star closer who still retains minor league options) and left-hander Jacob Latz (who will compete for the fifth starter job) could erase opportunities for others.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026
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
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 Free Press retains editorial control of this work.
—Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 11 Feb. 2026
The company retains a presence in Bartlesville with its 440-acre Phillips 66 Research Center.
—Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 11 Feb. 2026
Under his meticulous care, the gleaming red sports car has been souped up to generate 400-horsepower turbo performance, but retains much of the original features and feel.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
This Breitling Lady Premier Automatic in 36 mm contains Breitling’s in-house automatic caliber 10 with a 42-hour power reserve, but retains a feminine sensibility, with a colorful dial and dusting of diamonds on the lugs and bezel.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retains
Verb
-
After House Democrats revealed plans to force votes disapproving of the president’s Canada tariffs as soon as this week, GOP leaders sought to resuscitate their year-long procedural blockade that keeps those resolutions off the floor.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Fundamentally, however, the recurring sticking point keeps coming back to injuries.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Engineers at Google, which owns Nest, were able to recover data after several days.—
Hadas Gold,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The parents of the three Miami Yacht Club summer campers who were killed last summer when a 60-foot barge slammed into their sailboat sued the company that owns the barge, alleging negligence and irresponsible hiring.—
Milena Malaver,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Lowe’s employs approximately 300,000 people and operates over 1,700 home improvement stores, 530 branches and 130 distribution centers.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The company opened a New York office and studio last year and now employs five staff sourcing across the country, listing and fulfilling product locally.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Malinin holds just more than a five-point lead over his biggest rival, Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama, with scores from both the short program and free skate added together to determine a winner.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
-
According to chief customer officer Brie Carere, FedEx currently holds a 12 percent share in the $22 billion premium air freight market.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Known for combining high fashion with streetwear, Bad Bunny has a reputation for adventurous and subversive style.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Our running live blog has a good summary of the affair, including celebrity endorsements and reflections on the performance.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Lee said some hires the city made last fall, before Gloria insisted in November on approving any new hires, will be hard to explain to the public when the city faces such large deficits.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The family hires a talented horse trainer, Tom Booker (Redford), to aid their recovery.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Lester Speight, the actor who plays Terry Tate, possesses the delivery and timing of a true comic master.—
Debby Wolfinsohn,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The character of Mandakini required specific qualities that Rajamouli believes Chopra Jonas uniquely possesses.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In his free time, Jonathan enjoys coaching youth basketball, trying new restaurants and hanging with friends.—
Jonathan M. Alexander,
Houston Chronicle,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Marie enjoys going out to eat and has a particular love for Chinese food, sushi, and Haitian cuisine.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retains. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
