Synonyms for

Retaining

Verb / rɪˈteɪnɪŋ / / ri:ˈteɪnɪŋ / Another word for retaining — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Retaining means to keep or hold onto something, or to hold back something.

Synonyms & similar words

keepon keep retain continue hold holdback keepback keeping maintaining preserving saving storing upholding sustaining prolonging continuing delaying restraining confining curbing restricting limiting containing withholding

Synonyms by register

Formal

maintaining preserving keeping holding

Informal

keeping holding onto hanging onto

Literary

hoarding clutching

Antonyms

releasing freeing letting go discarding abandoning surrendering

Common collocations

  • retaining talent
  • retaining customers
  • retaining staff
  • retaining information
  • retaining control
  • retaining moisture
  • retaining walls

Word family

noun retention
verb retain
adjective retainable

Usage note

Often used in contexts of keeping something valuable, like employees or information. Be mindful of the context; 'retaining' can imply a more active effort than simply 'keeping'.

Example sentences

  1. The dam is retaining the water in the lake.
  2. She is retaining her memories of her childhood.
  3. I am retaining the information for the test next week.
  4. He is retaining his position as CEO.
  5. The policy is aimed at retaining staff.

Quotes

  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.
  • Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.
  • Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit.

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