What is the Opposite(Antonym) of “discard”?

The Opposite(Antonym) of “discard”

The antonyms of discard are keep, retain, and hold on to. The antonyms keep, retain, and hold on to convey the opposite meaning of getting rid of something. It implies holding onto or preserving something.

Explore all Antonyms of “discard”

• keep
• retain
• hold on to

Definitions and Examples of keep, retain, hold on to

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

keep

To continue to have or hold; not discard or give away.

Example

She decided to keep the old dress because it had sentimental value.

retain

To keep possession of; not lose, sell, or give away.

Example

The company decided to retain its employees despite the economic downturn.

hold on to

To keep or maintain possession of something; not let go or discard.

Example

He always holds on to his childhood memories.

Key Differences: keep vs retain vs hold on to

• 1. Keep is a general term that describes the act of continuing to have or hold something.
• 2. Retain is a more specific term that describes the act of keeping possession of something and not losing or giving it away.
• 3. Hold on to is a phrasal verb that emphasizes the act of maintaining possession of something and not letting go or discarding it.

Effective Usage of keep, retain, hold on to

• 1. Organizing: Use these antonyms to sort items into categories of what to discard and what to keep.
• 2. Decision Making: Incorporate these antonyms in conversations to make decisions about what to retain and what to let go of.
• 3. Negotiation: Utilize these antonyms in negotiations to discuss what to hold on to and what to give up.

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Remember this!

The antonyms have distinct nuances: Keep conveys the general idea of continuing to have something, retain emphasizes keeping possession of something, and hold on to emphasizes maintaining possession and not letting go. Use these words to organize items, make decisions, and negotiate effectively.