as in retention
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1
as in keeping
to continue to have in one's possession or power
I plan to retain the family heirlooms until my own children are mature enough to appreciate them, and then I will lovingly pass them on
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2
as in owning
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
that author retains the right to veto any changes in his books suggested by his publisher's notoriously intrusive editor
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3
as in employing
to provide with a paying job
her neighbor retained her as a nanny for the summer, thus giving her something to do until school started again
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Recent Examples of retaining
Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2026
But we’re invited to see him as, despite these foibles, amusing and retaining, and his cynicism about everything and his lack of moral scruple is—actually, we’re invited to see this as a kind of higher wisdom.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Pack a blanket or a warm outer layer Older people have a harder time producing, retaining, and circulating body heat.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
Lynch retaining seems likely, but Bella’s presence brings nostalgia and star power for the international audience.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Hema Parmar, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
These containers ditch the plastic in favor of silicone while retaining the same look and benefits of classic deli containers—namely, their stackability, one-size-fits-all lid, and lightweight feel.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026
In 2025, Phlur was acquired by the private equity firm TSG Consumer Partners, with Lim retaining the creative director title and an ownership stake.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
In the news release, Licata also wrote that Fort Worth ISD believes improving student outcomes starts with recruiting, supporting and retaining the strongest teachers in the profession, and the raise is a step in that direction.
—Samuel O’Neal 22, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026
Dobrev insisted that the split was drama-free, with the two committed to retaining a friendly and professional relationship in an interview with E!
—Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
For example, installing a new rooftop on the North Stand while retaining capacity was a significant challenge that would have been, in the club’s view, risky in terms of completing the project on time.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Coby White’s status Among the chief tasks for the Hornets is retaining Coby White.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
Even after his successor is confirmed, Powell could remain on the Fed's policymaking board until 2028, retaining a role in the central bank's interest-rate policy.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
The fabric is the smooth, soft feel that Lululemon is famous for, while still being breathable, sweat-wicking, and shape-retaining.
—Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2026
But we’re invited to see him as, despite these foibles, amusing and retaining, and his cynicism about everything and his lack of moral scruple is—actually, we’re invited to see this as a kind of higher wisdom.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Pack a blanket or a warm outer layer Older people have a harder time producing, retaining, and circulating body heat.
—Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
Lynch retaining seems likely, but Bella’s presence brings nostalgia and star power for the international audience.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
His fund has posted disappointing returns and the high costs of retaining talent and building out necessary infrastructure made continuing the firm too difficult, Sandler wrote.
—Hema Parmar, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
These containers ditch the plastic in favor of silicone while retaining the same look and benefits of classic deli containers—namely, their stackability, one-size-fits-all lid, and lightweight feel.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026
In 2025, Phlur was acquired by the private equity firm TSG Consumer Partners, with Lim retaining the creative director title and an ownership stake.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
In the news release, Licata also wrote that Fort Worth ISD believes improving student outcomes starts with recruiting, supporting and retaining the strongest teachers in the profession, and the raise is a step in that direction.
—Samuel O’Neal 22, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026
Dobrev insisted that the split was drama-free, with the two committed to retaining a friendly and professional relationship in an interview with E!
—Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
For example, installing a new rooftop on the North Stand while retaining capacity was a significant challenge that would have been, in the club’s view, risky in terms of completing the project on time.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Coby White’s status Among the chief tasks for the Hornets is retaining Coby White.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
Even after his successor is confirmed, Powell could remain on the Fed's policymaking board until 2028, retaining a role in the central bank's interest-rate policy.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retaining
Noun
-
Recreation amenities were a key part of the development of the plans, and retention of open space, as was the style of the buildings, the representatives said.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
-
For a workforce of just under 50,000, this will have long-term implications for recruitment and retention.—
Nicole Sganga,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Eagles seem intent on keeping DeJean at nickel.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
But for the moment, with Russia and the military alliance at odds over Ukraine but not at war, pilots on both sides just watched and filmed each other — keeping their distance like wary tomcats with claws unsheathed, their missiles visible but not used.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The ship is associated with Mordashov, a Russian billionaire and owner of steel magnate Severstal, with shipping records showing Mordashov’s wife Marina Mordashova, owning the vessel for a brief window in 2022.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
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The Stars are expected to follow the same game plan executed by the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers; move into a new venue, and create new revenue by owning the surrounding properties, too.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury is employing a PCR thermocycler that cuts the time to get a diagnosis from days to just merely hours.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2026
-
If tax records and documents do not add up, employers and employees may be arrested and detained as investigators sort out who is illegally present in the United States or illegally employing workers.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic stay the coolest in the East, with New England dipping into the upper 20s to mid-30s and the Mid-Atlantic holding in the mid-30s to mid-40s.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
-
At least one artwork from Newhouse’s holdings has gone on to global fame.—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
His work focuses on preserving stories of war and conflict, past and present.—
Benjamin Mack-Jackson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Given the importance of preserving relations with the FCC, which has a say over a range of local station matters and must approve any mergers involving the transfer of broadcast licenses, LeGeyt has deliberately avoided a direct clash with his Washington counterpart.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Though signs of its impending closure were all around this past weekend, the New Black Wall Street Market was having one last hurrah.—
Zachary Hansen,
AJC.com,
30 Apr. 2026
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Prosecutors say Maduro and Rodriguez authorized a series of payments totaling $20 million under terms of the PDV USA contract before having a falling out with Rivera’s group by the end of 2017.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Then last June, the Nuggets snatched Wallace back from Minnesota, hiring him as their new co-general manager alongside his friend Ben Tenzer — another longtime Connelly disciple who’d been a steady hand behind the scenes in Denver’s front office since 2013.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
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The proposals also call for hiring consultants and requiring regular reports on the transition.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Retaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retaining. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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