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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.

This protectionist policy looked to have been largely successful at helping the US retain its edge when it comes to AI "brains".

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Obviously, his inability to retain 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara was frustrating and ultimately devastating.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 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

PBI is the president’s home airport and will retain that airport code for now.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Red Jack and Katherine are here with me, and I owe it to them to try to retain some of my sanity.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.