Retention

/ɹɪˈtɛnʃən/ · noun

Meaning

The act of retaining or something retained..

Definitions by Sense

1. The act of retaining or something retained.
2. The act or power of remembering things.
3. Memory; what is retained in the mind.
4. (medicine) The involuntary withholding of urine and faeces.
5. (medicine) The length of time a patient remains in treatment.
6. (obsolete) That which contains something, as a tablet; a means of preserving impressions.
7. (obsolete) The act of withholding; restraint; reserve.
8. (obsolete) A place of custody or confinement.

Example Sentences

No woman's heart / So big, to hold so much; they lack retention.

"Still," Suit echoed. "The way she handles the gun jamming." Suit shook their head in admiration. "Tap, rack, bang, without hesitation. That's extraordinary retention."

Thy gift, thy tables, are within my brain Full character’d with lasting memory, […] That poor retention could not so much hold, Nor need I tallies thy dear love to score;

His life I gave him, and did thereto add / My love without retention or restraint,

The right of retention, which bears a near resemblance to compensation, is chiefly competent where the mutual debts, not being liquid, cannot be the ground of compensation

Synonyms for retention

Antonyms for retention

Related Words

Word Forms

• retentions

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions