Synonyms of retains

retains

verb

present tense third-person singular of retain

1

as in keeps

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• keeps
• holds
• possesses
• preserves
• has
• withholds
• saves
• reserves
• protects
• conserves
• enjoys
• owns
• boasts
• holds on to
• manages
• hangs on to
• guards
• controls
• directs
• cherishes
• harbors
• rules
• detains
• commands
• treasures
• clings (to)
• hugs
• bears

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• relinquishes
• yields
• surrenders
• gives
• releases
• abandons
• contributes
• drops
• gives up
• donates
• rejects
• cedes
• loses
• discards
• dumps
• declines
• repudiates
• hands over
• hands out
• spurns

2

as in owns

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• owns
• has
• possesses
• enjoys
• holds
• keeps
• commands
• carries
• reserves
• rejoices in
• withholds
• boasts
• bears
• shows off
• sports

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lacks
• wants
• relinquishes
• abandons
• renounces
• yields
• disclaims
• surrenders
• discards
• requires
• rejects
• dumps
• cedes
• needs
• repudiates
• declines
• disowns
• hands over
• spurns

3

as in employs

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• employs
• hires
• recruits
• engages
• pays
• assumes
• signs (up or on)
• enlists
• fees
• places
• takes on
• lays on
• promotes
• jobs
• partners
• reengages
• rehires
• reemploys
• apprentices
• keeps (on)
• contracts
• upgrades
• subcontracts
• advances
• headhunts
• scouts

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dismisses
• cans
• discharges
• fires
• axes
• sacks
• furloughs
• locks out
• lays off

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of retains

Rice University researchers found that the material retains directional spin fluctuations even after conventional magnetic order disappears. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

Trump retains enormous influence among the Republican voters who powered his ascent, even as dissatisfaction with his leadership threatens candidates who must appeal beyond his most committed supporters. — Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026

The new, aptly named Perpetual Padellone retains the original’s vintage aesthetics, but is equipped with a new annual calendar (Caliber 7190) that automatically accounts for 30- and 31-day months and requires adjustment just once a year. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2026

Morocco is a constitutional monarchy where the king retains sweeping powers over foreign policy, defence and other key portfolios. — CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026

Public Clothing retains the Derek Lam brand, which continues to be designed by creative director Robert Rodriguez. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

And in a perfect world, the franchise retains all three at full price after restoring New York City’s basketball scene to heights unseen in over 50 years. — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026

The vote will determine the next prime minister and the makeup of the government, which will serve alongside a powerful monarchy that retains broad authority over strategic affairs. — Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026

The original De Santis, which has since expanded to several locations throughout the city, still retains its original decor and the same wooden counter from 60 years ago. — Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026