retain
verb (used with object)
to keep possession of.
had retained
-
past perfectof retain.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The council's head of environment James Gilchrist said he was pleased both parks had retained their Green Flag status.
From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026
British Columbia said Tuesday it was preparing a separate case, in coordination with the families, and had retained lawyers both in Canada and California.
From Barron's ● Jul. 7, 2026
Illumina had retained an investment in Grail after the spinoff.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 20, 2026
It was not clear if he had retained an attorney.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2025
He found, always, that matter had retained its dubious solidity in his absence; but this did not deter him.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson
