retentive

adjective

re·​ten·​tive ri-ˈten-tiv How to pronounce retentive (audio)
: having the power, property, or capacity of retaining
soils retentive of moisture
especially : retaining knowledge easily
a retentive memory
retentively adverb
retentiveness noun

Examples of retentive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Industrial facilities are designed using environmentally conscientious materials including white roof decks, LED lighting and water-retentive landscaping techniques. David Welch, Forbes, 12 Apr. 2022 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 The cornerstone of a retentive company culture is social agility. Mark C. Perna, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2021 They're known for great listening—and they are retentive with a good memory. Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, 22 Oct. 2021 Jane was an anal retentive young mom whose professional dream was to become a bestselling novelist. Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2021 The history pages are good, because there are hordes of anal-retentive history enthusiasts who hover over them, correcting errors, footnoting controversies and so on. Star Tribune, 2 May 2021 The removable bottom allows for easy cleaning and the spill-proof, heat-retentive lid keeps fresh coffee hot. Laura Denby, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retentive.' 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 retentif, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin retentivus, from Latin retentus, past participle of retinēre

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retentive was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near retentive

Cite this Entry

“Retentive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retentive. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

retentive

adjective
re·​ten·​tive ri-ˈtent-iv How to pronounce retentive (audio)
: having ability to retain
a retentive memory
retentively adverb
retentiveness noun

Medical Definition

retentive

adjective
re·​ten·​tive ri-ˈten-tiv How to pronounce retentive (audio)
: tending to retain: as
a
: retaining knowledge : having a good memory
a retentive mind
b
: of, relating to, or being a dental retainer

More from Merriam-Webster on retentive

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!