retain

verb

re·​tain ri-ˈtān How to pronounce retain (audio)
retained; retaining; retains

transitive verb

1
a
: to keep in possession or use
b
: to keep in one's pay or service
specifically : to employ by paying a retainer
c
: to keep in mind or memory : remember
2
: to hold secure or intact
Choose the Right Synonym for retain

keep, retain, detain, withhold, reserve mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control.

keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control.

keep this while I'm gone

retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

detain suggests a delay in letting go.

detained them for questioning

withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.

withheld information from the authorities

reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.

reserve some of your energy for the last mile

Examples of retain in a Sentence

A landlord may retain part of your deposit if you break the lease. They insisted on retaining old customs. You will retain your rights as a citizen. The TV show has retained its popularity for many years. The company's goal is to attract and retain good employees. The team failed to retain him, and he became a free agent. They have decided to retain a firm to conduct a survey. You may need to retain an attorney.
Recent Examples on the Web That said, looking to the pricing of models from big brands is a good measure of what’s retaining value in the market. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024 In light of these conflicts, Kassan resigned his post and waived a nearly $10 million severance package from UTA in order to retain his right to compete against them, the filing said. Matt Donnelly, Variety, 13 Mar. 2024 Mercury then had a task: to retain those customers. Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2024 Its leaders, first under the nearly four-decade-long rule of Robert Mugabe, have long been accused of retaining power through oppression. John Eligon, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024 Schultz also reported that the Giants never made an offer to retain his services. Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024 The city has struggled to retain a finance director and currently doesn’t have one. Cincinnati Enquirer, The Enquirer, 12 Mar. 2024 Attorney General Merrick Garland chose Hur to lead the independent investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents in early 2023 in an attempt to retain apolitical distance between the Justice Department and the president. Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024 Alaric Jackson is a restricted free agent, so the Rams are likely to retain a former undrafted free agent who started 15 games last season. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reteinen, retainen, from Anglo-French retenir, reteigner, from Latin retinēre to hold back, restrain, from re- + tenēre to hold — more at thin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of retain was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near retain

Cite this Entry

“Retain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retain. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

retain

verb
re·​tain ri-ˈtān How to pronounce retain (audio)
1
a
: to keep in possession or use
you will retain your rights as a citizen
b
: to keep in pay or in one's service
especially : to employ by paying a retainer
retain an attorney
c
: remember sense 3
I can't retain phone numbers
2
: to hold secure or unchanged
land retains heat longer than water

Medical Definition

retain

transitive verb
re·​tain ri-ˈtān How to pronounce retain (audio)
1
: to hold or keep in
retain fluids
2
: to keep in mind or memory

Legal Definition

retain

transitive verb
re·​tain ri-ˈtān How to pronounce retain (audio)
1
: to keep in possession or use
2
: to keep in one's pay or service
specifically : to employ (as a lawyer) by paying a retainer

More from Merriam-Webster on retain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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