📖 Definitions of "Retain"
verb
- 1
To keep in possession or use.
- 2
To keep in one's pay or service.
- 3
To employ by paying a retainer.
- 4
To hold secure.
🔄 Synonyms of "Retain"
8 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| engageverb | (transitive) To engross or hold the attention of; to keep busy or occupied. |
| holdverb | (transitive) To grasp or grip. |
| keepverb | (transitive) To continue in (a course or mode of action); to not intermit or fall from; to uphold or maintain. |
| hold backverb | (idiomatic, intransitive) To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power. |
| continueverb | (transitive) To proceed with (doing an activity); to prolong (an activity). |
| keep backverb | (transitive) To hold back; to refuse to give or share. |
| keep onverb | (transitive, idiomatic) To persist or continue. |
| reservenoun | (transitive, ditransitive) To book in advance; to make a reservation for. |
💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Retain"
Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| keepverb | (transitive) To continue in (a course or mode of action); to not intermit or fall from; to uphold or maintain. |
| keep onverb | (transitive, idiomatic) To persist or continue. |
| continueverb | (transitive) To proceed with (doing an activity); to prolong (an activity). |
| reserveverb | (transitive, ditransitive) To book in advance; to make a reservation for. |
| hold backverb | (idiomatic, intransitive) To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power. |
| keep backverb | (transitive) To hold back; to refuse to give or share. |
| holdverb | (transitive) To grasp or grip. |
| engageverb | (transitive) To engross or hold the attention of; to keep busy or occupied. |
| retentionnoun | The act of retaining or something retained. |
| keepsnoun | Only used in for keeps |
| maintainverb | To keep up; to preserve; to uphold (a state, condition etc.). |
| sustainverb | (transitive) To maintain, or keep in existence. |
| stayverb | (intransitive) To remain in a particular place, especially for a definite or short period of time; sojourn; abide. |
| sustainingnoun | That sustains, supports or provides sustenance. |
| saveverb | (transitive) To prevent harm or difficulty. |
| persistverb | (intransitive) To go on stubbornly or resolutely. |
| detainverb | (transitive) To keep someone from proceeding by holding them back or making claims on their attention. |
| savingnoun | A reduction in cost or expenditure. |
| obtainverb | (transitive) To get hold of; to gain possession of, to procure; to acquire, in any way. |
| preservingnoun | preservation |
⚡ Words Strongly Associated with "Retain"
These words statistically appear in the same text as "retain" (Google Books Ngrams).
🏷️ Nouns for "Retain"
Common nouns this word is used to describe.
📝 Common Phrases with "Retain"
Words that come before
🌐 Broader and Narrower Concepts
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