Release and Retain

Opposite meaning words

collocations

Release

Release verb - To let go from office, service, or employment.

Usage example: they released the workers who couldn't handle the new technology

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Synonyms for Release

Antonyms for Release

Retain is an antonym for release in let go topic.

Nearby Words: released, releasing

Retain

Retain verb - To continue to have in one's possession or power.

Usage example: I plan to retain the family heirlooms until my own children are mature enough to appreciate them, and then I will lovingly pass them on

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Synonyms for Retain

Antonyms for Retain

Release is an antonym for retain in topics: keep, hire, hold on to physically or mentally.

Nearby Words: retainer, retaining

Common collocations

soul	release soul	retain soul
power	release power	retain power
control	release control	retain control
number	release number	retain number
Other words: information, powers.

Cite this Source

Retain and Release. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/release/retain

Release & Retain. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/release/retain>.

Retain or Release. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/release/retain.

Google Ngram Viewer shows how "release" and "retain" have occurred on timeline