retain
7 synonyms and 1 antonym for retain, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To keep possession of something instead of losing or giving it up.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
hold onto
memorize
Antonyms
How to use retain
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
retain a lawyer
retain information
retain control
Etymology
From Old French retenir, from Latin retinere, "to hold back," from re- + tenere ("to hold").
Full origin of retain →Frequently asked questions
What does “retain” mean?
The word “retain” means to keep possession of something instead of losing or giving it up. In plain terms, to keep hold of something — a possession, a memory, or a hired professional.
How do you pronounce “retain”?
“Retain” is pronounced rih-TAYN (/ɹəˈteɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “retain” in a sentence?
Here is “retain” used in a sentence: “The team retained the championship title for a third year.”
What part of speech is “retain”?
“Retain” is a verb.
Where does the word “retain” come from?
The word “retain” comes from Latin. From Old French retenir, from Latin retinere, "to hold back," from re- + tenere ("to hold").
Is “retain” a common word?
“Retain” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “retain” have?
“Retain” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to keep possession of something instead of losing or giving it up.
What is the difference between "retain" and "maintain"?
To "retain" means to keep possession of something rather than losing or giving it up. To "maintain" means to keep something in a particular state or condition, as in maintaining a car or a friendship.
What is the difference between "retain" and "keep"?
"Retain" and "keep" both mean to hold on to something, but "retain" is more formal and common in legal, business, and academic writing. "Keep" is the neutral, everyday choice.
Is "retain" a formal word?
Yes, "retain" is fairly formal. It appears often in legal, medical, and business contexts, such as retaining a lawyer or retaining an employee, where a plainer text might simply use "keep."
