Retain Definition
retain
verb
- hold back within; "This soil retains water"; "I retain this drug for a long time"; "the dam retains the water"
- allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature; "We cannot continue several servants any longer"; "She retains a lawyer"; "The family's fortune waned and they could not keep their household staff"; "Our grant has run out and we cannot keep you on"; "We kept the work going as long as we could"; "She retained her composure"; "this garment retains its shape even after many washings"
- secure and keep for possible future use or application; "The landlord retained the security deposit"; "I reserve the right to disagree"
- keep in one's mind; "I cannot retain so much information"
"Retain" in song lyrics
See how retain is used in real songs:
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"Material things they couldn't retain"
2 Live Crew — You Got Larceny -
"Shout the name then disappear like no-ones, but I'll remain and I'll retain"
The Grouch — Struggle Baby -
"Has a lot of good advice to retain"
Jedi Mind Tricks — Target Practice
Words that rhyme with retain
Usage tips for "retain"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "retain" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for retain to find words that pair well.