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
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Recent Examples of retains
The soft details include a tagless design and chafe-free stitching, and the crew neck retains its shape well.
—
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
The result is a retro profile that still retains a contemporary appeal.
—Katia Damborsky, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
While the game retains the signature cel-shaded, colorful art style, the developers at Gearbox have promised a less annoyingly comedic tone.
—PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025
Although in need of extensive renovations, the mansion showcases rare architectural details and retains much of its historic character.
—Brendel Clark, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2025
At the moment, Cook retains her ability to vote on the Fed’s policy decisions, with a meeting coming up on September 16-17.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
But the latest numbers suggest Cuomo retains a strong base of support and could mount a comeback if the race narrows.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
But hoping to dodge this defense, WB didn't argue that Midjourney retains copies of its images.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025
Recently reimagined through a million-dollar renovation, the mansion retains its vintage grandeur while embracing contemporary comfort.
—Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
The result is a retro profile that still retains a contemporary appeal.
—Katia Damborsky, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
While the game retains the signature cel-shaded, colorful art style, the developers at Gearbox have promised a less annoyingly comedic tone.
—PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025
Although in need of extensive renovations, the mansion showcases rare architectural details and retains much of its historic character.
—Brendel Clark, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2025
At the moment, Cook retains her ability to vote on the Fed’s policy decisions, with a meeting coming up on September 16-17.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
But the latest numbers suggest Cuomo retains a strong base of support and could mount a comeback if the race narrows.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
But hoping to dodge this defense, WB didn't argue that Midjourney retains copies of its images.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025
Recently reimagined through a million-dollar renovation, the mansion retains its vintage grandeur while embracing contemporary comfort.
—Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retains
Verb
-
The Inzone Mouse-A keeps things simple.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Loafers and sweaters pack easily and can dress up casual outfits, while blazers and scarves offer layering versatility that keeps you looking sharp from museums to evening dinners abroad.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Austin Slater owns a prominent spot on that list.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
20 Sep. 2025
-
The media firm owns large-market stations in New York (WPIX), Los Angeles (KTLA), Chicago (WGN-TV) and Philadelphia (WPHL-TV) in addition to several smaller broadcasters.—
Ty Roush,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Meanwhile, over at Castle Leathers, Davina employs Julia to try to get Brian to see reason and stop his quest to go save Ellen.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The Balmain name employs a fraction of the percentage of what bigger-name luxury houses would employ.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
If tradition holds, the DGA will have initial conversations with the Alliance for Motion Picture and Television Producers sometime by early next year.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
21 Sep. 2025
-
No clothing item is worth dealing with discomfort, and that holds especially true for undergarments.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The aforementioned head also has lights, with batteries included, and a tiny switch behind the neck.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The newspaper reported at the time that Zinn has a criminal record dating back to 1989 that includes dozens of convictions for petty crimes such as criminal trespass, theft of services, interfering with a police officer and disturbing the peace.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This kind of playbook can not only preserve early learnings but also give future sales hires a clear blueprint to follow.—
Muhammad Nabeel Shamim,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Earth hires a mercenary company that gamifies the eviction process.—
Erik Pedersen,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Cleveland possesses a very dangerous defense, and that was on full display, stifling the strong Packers offense through most of the game.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
-
And yet Reform possesses something that Britain’s traditional political parties can only dream of.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Another reader enjoys preserving a traditional family recipe.—
Cathy Kozlowicz,
jsonline.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Located on the state’s southeastern coast, just 30 minutes north of glitzy West Palm Beach, Jupiter enjoys a slower, more serene pace that’s perfect for lazy days of relaxing with a view of the water.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Retains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retains. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
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