Example : This soil retains water.
I retain this drug for a long time.
The dam retains the water.

Example : 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.

Synonyms : continue, keep, keep on

Example : The landlord retained the security deposit.
I reserve the right to disagree.

Synonyms : hold, hold back, keep back

Example : I cannot retain so much information.