RETENTIVE Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

retentive

adjective

Definition of retentive

as in careful

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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 retentive Asters thrive in cooler, moisture-retentive soil and can tolerate partial shade, while morning glories prefer full sun and well-draining, poorer soils. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026 Cabbage plants also benefit from moisture-retentive clay as long as gardens don’t stay soggy long enough to lead to rot. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026 The velocity of decisions and the inverse of that, though, is when these decisions are made, there are incredibly sticky and retentive businesses. — Aaron Weitzman, Axios, 9 Sep. 2024 As well as attracting a significant number of new Discovery+ subscribers, sports broadens its appeal throughout the whole household and provides consumers an even greater, more retentive value proposition. — Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2022 Energy firms tend to be slow to acquire as customers, but these energy targets are highly retentive once onboarded as customers. — John Tough, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2021 Jane was an anal retentive young mom whose professional dream was to become a bestselling novelist. — Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2021 Her ministers fear her ferociously retentive memory for the details of their portfolios—including the particulars of complex technical and scientific issues, such as trade, digital technology, and, lately, the pandemic. — Constanze Stelzenmüller, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retentive

Adjective

However, Aldighieri advises marketers to be careful when changing tack.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 30 July 2026
But Yoon is careful, with his characteristically spare, visceral imagery, to establish Etna’s early happiness.

— Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

Definition of careful

Adjective

Perhaps in a conscientious effort to make sure guests don’t feel trapped, the tiny suite doors—just about five-foot-two high—do not automatically lock.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026
Gluten-free cones are available, and conscientious staff always wash their hands and change gloves for celiacs.

— Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

Definition of conscientious

Adjective

Thanks to persistent inflation, the soaring cost of living, and AI making employers cautious about hiring (and everyday people cautious of spending), entry-level part-time jobs like lifeguarding and retail assistants are disappearing.

— Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 25 July 2026
Some are more cautious about buying nonessentials like takeout coffee.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026

Definition of cautious

Adjective

Jackson is not a clinical finisher, and his composure in front of goal is often circumspect.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 July 2026
The speech that followed created the perception of her as a firebrand, but those who have followed her career closely have found a more circumspect figure.

— Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 July 2026

Definition of circumspect

Adjective

Global oil prices fell sharply on Monday after a pause in fighting between the United States and Iran, though traders remain wary.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
The campaign has taken the protests demanding accountability and education reforms beyond the streets, broadening its reach and intensifying pressure on a government wary of appearing to yield to a rapidly growing youth movement.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026

Definition of wary

Adjective

Through movement, restoration, thoughtful hospitality and a profound connection to the California coast, each stay becomes an opportunity to return home feeling renewed.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
While our designers both agree that bare wooden stairs are a style and safety issue, Spalding prefers to incorporate the practicality of carpet on stairs with a thoughtful runner.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 30 July 2026

Definition of thoughtful

Adjective

Her heedful eyes meet those of a young Black girl in overalls and braids on the other side of the room.

— Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 9 Aug. 2023
That’s partly because retailers have grown less heedful about developing the necessary pipelines, a problem that’s worsened in recent years as retailers saw profits crushed by a push into low-margin e-commerce.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2023

Definition of heedful

Browse Nearby Words

retention

retentive

retest

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“Retentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retentive. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of retentive

adjective

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