retain Synonyms
Another word for retain
• verb (Context 1)
To continue to have, hold, or use something; to keep possession of rather than losing or giving away.
"Despite the merger, the historic company managed to keep its original name and core staff."
• verb (Context 2)
To absorb and continue to hold a substance, heat, or moisture.
"Clay soil tends to hold water much longer than sandy soil."
• verb (Context 3)
To keep facts, information, or experiences in one's memory.
"Students often find it easier to remember new vocabulary when they read it in context."
• verb (Context 4)
To secure and pay for the professional services of an expert, especially a lawyer or consultant, often via a preliminary fee.
"The board voted to engage an independent auditing firm to review the financial records."
Opposites of retain
The opposite of retain shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: