retentive
adjective
re·ten·tive ri-ˈten-tiv 
: having the power, property, or capacity of retaining
soils retentive of moisture
especially : retaining knowledge easily
a retentive memory
retentively adverb
retentiveness noun
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Industrial facilities are designed using environmentally conscientious materials including white roof decks, LED lighting and water-retentive landscaping techniques. 
David Welch, Forbes, 12 Apr. 2022 As well as attracting a significant number of new Discovery+ subscribers, sports broadens its appeal throughout the whole household and provides consumers an even greater, more retentive value proposition. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2022 Energy firms tend to be slow to acquire as customers, but these energy targets are highly retentive once onboarded as customers. John Tough, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2021 The cornerstone of a retentive company culture is social agility. Mark C. Perna, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2021 They're known for great listening—and they are retentive with a good memory. Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, 22 Oct. 2021 Jane was an anal retentive young mom whose professional dream was to become a bestselling novelist. Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2021 The history pages are good, because there are hordes of anal-retentive history enthusiasts who hover over them, correcting errors, footnoting controversies and so on. Star Tribune, 2 May 2021 The removable bottom allows for easy cleaning and the spill-proof, heat-retentive lid keeps fresh coffee hot. Laura Denby, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2021 See More
David Welch, Forbes, 12 Apr. 2022 As well as attracting a significant number of new Discovery+ subscribers, sports broadens its appeal throughout the whole household and provides consumers an even greater, more retentive value proposition. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2022 Energy firms tend to be slow to acquire as customers, but these energy targets are highly retentive once onboarded as customers. John Tough, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2021 The cornerstone of a retentive company culture is social agility. Mark C. Perna, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2021 They're known for great listening—and they are retentive with a good memory. Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, 22 Oct. 2021 Jane was an anal retentive young mom whose professional dream was to become a bestselling novelist. Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2021 The history pages are good, because there are hordes of anal-retentive history enthusiasts who hover over them, correcting errors, footnoting controversies and so on. Star Tribune, 2 May 2021 The removable bottom allows for easy cleaning and the spill-proof, heat-retentive lid keeps fresh coffee hot. Laura Denby, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English retentif, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin retentivus, from Latin retentus, past participle of retinēre
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing retentive
Medical Definition
retentive
adjective
re·ten·tive ri-ˈten-tiv
: tending to retain: as
a
: retaining knowledge : having a good memory
a retentive mind
b
: of, relating to, or being a dental retainer
retentive
adjective
as in careful
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- careful
- conscientious
- circumspect
- cautious
- heedful
- thoughtful
- wary
- vigilant
- attentive
- watchful
- keen
- alert
- open-eyed
- awake
- sharp
- wide-awake
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- forgetful
- unmindful
- absent
- oblivious
- preoccupied
- absentminded
- senile
- lost
- amnesic
- abstracted
- amnesiac