Retain
Last Updated: January 2, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Scrabble:6 ptsWWF:7 pts6 letters
Definition of Retain
Verb
- Often followed by from: to hold back (someone or something); to check, to prevent, to restrain, to stop. To hold back (a pupil) instead of allowing them to advance to the next class or year; to keep back. Of a thing: to hold or keep (something) inside it; to contain. To hold back (tissue or a substance, especially urine) in the body or a body organ. To hold (something) secure; to prevent (something) from becoming detached or separated. To keep (something) in control or possession; to continue having (something); to keep back. To keep (something) in the mind; to recall, to remember. To keep (something) in place or use, instead of removing or abolishing it; to preserve. To engage or hire (someone), especially temporarily. To employ (someone, especially a lawyer) by paying a retainer (“fee one pays to reserve another person's time for services”); specifically, to engage (a barrister) by making an initial payment to secure their services if needed. To keep (someone) in one's pay or service; also, to maintain (someone) as a dependent or follower. To control or restrain (oneself); to exercise self-control over (oneself). To keep (someone) in custody; to prevent (someone) from leaving. To declare (a sin) not forgiven.
- Often followed by from: to hold back (someone or something); to check, to prevent, to restrain, to stop. To hold back (a pupil) instead of allowing them to advance to the next class or year; to keep back.
- To hold back (a pupil) instead of allowing them to advance to the next class or year; to keep back.
- Of a thing: to hold or keep (something) inside it; to contain. To hold back (tissue or a substance, especially urine) in the body or a body organ.
- To hold back (tissue or a substance, especially urine) in the body or a body organ.
Noun
- An act of holding or keeping something; a possession, a retention.
- Synonym of retinue (“a group of attendants or servants, especially of someone considered important”).
Anagrams of Retain
Words You Can Make
50 words can be made from the letters in "retain":