What is the opposite of “exchange”?

What is the antonym of “exchange”?

The antonyms of exchange are keep, hold, and retain. These words convey the opposite meaning of exchanging or giving something away.

Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)

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

keep

To have or retain possession of something.

Example

I decided to keep the book instead of exchanging it for another one.

hold

To have and maintain in one's grasp; to keep from falling or moving.

Example

He held onto the railing tightly to avoid slipping on the wet stairs.

retain

To keep or continue to have something; to hold onto something.

Example

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

How are these antonyms different from each other?

• 1. Keep refers to having or retaining possession of something.
• 2. Hold refers to maintaining something in one's grasp or keeping it from falling or moving.
• 3. Retain refers to continuing to have or hold onto something.

Good things to know

• 1. Business: Use retain to refer to keeping employees or customers.
• 2. Personal: Use keep or hold to refer to keeping possessions or maintaining physical contact with something.
• 3. Academic: Use these antonyms to explain the difference between exchanging and keeping or holding onto something.

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Remember this!

The antonyms of exchange are keep, hold, and retain. These words convey the opposite meaning of exchanging or giving something away. Use keep to refer to having or retaining possession of something, hold to refer to maintaining something in one's grasp or keeping it from falling or moving, and retain to refer to continuing to have or hold onto something.