Retain is a verb that means to keep, hold on to, or preserve something, either physically or figuratively. It is often used when referring to maintaining possession of an item, keeping information in memory, or continuing to hold a position or status. Retaining can imply a conscious effort to keep something from being lost or removed. It can also describe keeping a quality or characteristic over time.
Sentences Using “Retain”:
- The company decided to retain the experienced employees despite the downsizing.
- He was able to retain most of the information from the lecture thanks to his excellent memory.
- The museum worked hard to retain the authenticity of the ancient artifacts.
- She retained her composure during the stressful interview, impressing the panel.
- The team was able to retain their championship title after a hard-fought game.
- I hope to retain the friendships I’ve made during my time abroad.
- The law allows tenants to retain possession of the property for a specified period.
- Despite the competition, they managed to retain their position as market leaders.
- The company’s success was due to their ability to retain loyal customers over the years.
- He struggled to retain his focus amidst the distractions in the room.
Synonyms for “Retain”:
- Keep
- Hold
- Maintain
- Preserve
- Save
- Reserve
- Withhold
- Sustain
- Secure
- Cling to
Antonyms for “Retain”:
- Lose
- Abandon
- Relinquish
- Forfeit
- Release
- Discard
- Surrender
- Let go
- Give up
- Drop
Related Words:
- Retention
- Possess
- Keep hold of
- Maintain possession
- Guard
- Preserve
- Conserve
- Hold onto
- Safeguard
- Secure
Idiomatic Expressions:
- “Retain one’s composure” – To maintain control over one’s emotions or actions, e.g., “Even in the face of criticism, she managed to retain her composure.”
- “Retain the upper hand” – To keep control or an advantage in a situation, e.g., “Despite the setbacks, the team managed to retain the upper hand in the competition.”
- “Retain the right” – To keep the legal or moral right to something, e.g., “The landlord retains the right to enter the property with proper notice.”
- “Retain an edge” – To maintain a competitive advantage, e.g., “They are constantly innovating to retain an edge over their competitors.”
- “Retain one’s dignity” – To preserve one’s self-respect in a difficult situation, e.g., “She was able to retain her dignity despite the public embarrassment.”
- “Retain an interest” – To keep an interest or attention focused on something, e.g., “He was able to retain an interest in the subject throughout the class.”
- “Retain control” – To maintain authority or influence, e.g., “The general was determined to retain control over the situation.”
- “Retain a memory” – To remember or hold on to a memory, e.g., “He could not retain the memory of his childhood home after the fire.”
- “Retain one’s position” – To continue holding a job or role, e.g., “The manager worked hard to retain his position despite company changes.”
- “Retain a loyalty” – To keep someone loyal, e.g., “The company implemented benefits to retain customer loyalty.”
