Want to say retain differently? Here are other words for retain and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of retain
The primary meaning of the word "retain" is to keep something in one's possession or to continue to have something.
Etymology of retain
The word "retain" comes from the Old French word "retenir", which is derived from the Latin word "retinere", meaning "to hold back" or "to keep"
The word has been used in English since the 14th century to mean "to keep" or "to hold"
Synonyms
keep
maintain
preserve
conserve
hold
reserve
save
store
stockpile
hoard
cache
accumulate
amass
gather
collect
holdback
withhold
reserve
save
spare
keepback
husband
conserve
protect
defend
guard
shield
screen
safeguard
secure
retain
continue
prolong
extend
sustain
support
uphold
maintain
persevere
persist
endure
holdon
cling
adhere
stick
remain
stay
abide
dwell
reside
lodge
harbor
entertain
accommodate
maintain
keep
preserve
protect
care
cherish
treasure
value
prize
appreciate
hold
grasp
grip
clutch
cling
seize
grab
snatch
capture
take
possess
have
own
occupy
inhabit
dwell
live
reside
stay
remain
abide
lodge
harbor
entertain
accommodate
Definitions
- To keep something in one's possession or control
- * To continue to have a particular job, position, or status
- * To keep something in one's memory or to remember something
Usage Examples
- The company will retain its current CEO for the next fiscal year
- * She retains a strong sense of loyalty to her family and friends
- * The city retains its historic charm despite modern developments
Antonyms
release
free
liberate
discharge
dismiss
fire
terminate
abandon
desert
forsake
relinquish
surrender
yield
cede
giveup
letgo
abandon
leave
depart
quit
resign
drop
lose
misplace
mislay
forget
dismiss
reject
refuse
decline
spurn
repudiate
renounce
abdicate
vacate
evacuate
empty
clear
purge
expel
eject
oust
remove
eliminate