to keep something or continue to have something, to employ someone to work for you on a permanent basis

retain control, retain information, retain earnings

Formal and Informal Expressions of retain

In different contexts, you can replace 'retain' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'maintain, preserve' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'keep, hang onto' is a commonplace synonym.

retain: Explore its Definition & Usage

retain Definition

1to keep something or continue to have something
2to employ someone to work for you on a permanent basis

Using retain: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "retain" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
It's important to retain customers in order to grow the business.
Example
She was able to retain her title as champion for three years.
Example
The company decided to retain the services of a consultant.

retain Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for retain

Antonyms for retain

Phrases with retain

retain control
to maintain power or authority over something
Example
The CEO wanted to retain control over all major decisions.
retain information
to remember or keep information in one's memory
Example
It's easier to retain information when you study in short sessions rather than cramming.
retain earnings
to keep profits within a company rather than distributing them to shareholders
Example
The board of directors voted to retain earnings in order to fund future expansion.

Origins of retain

from Old French 'retenir', from Latin 'retinere', from 're-' (back) + 'tenere' (to hold)

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Summary: retain in Brief

To 'retain' [rɪˈteɪn] means to keep or continue to have something, such as customers or a job. It can also mean to employ someone permanently. Examples include 'The company decided to retain the services of a consultant.' and 'She was able to retain her title as champion for three years.' Phrases like 'retain control' and 'retain information' illustrate the various ways the term is used.