keeping 1 of 2

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as in custody
responsibility for the safety and well-being of someone or something put the house keys into a neighbor's secure keeping while they were on vacation

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as in shape
a state of being or fitness the estate hasn't been in good keeping since the owner suffered financial reverses

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

keeping

2 of 2

verb

present participle of keep
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as in storing
to place somewhere for safekeeping or ready availability I keep extra toothbrushes for unexpected overnight guests

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as in supporting
to pay the living expenses of agreed to keep both of their children in off-campus housing until they graduated and found jobs

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of keeping
Noun
Today, many of those sales happen with little or no record-keeping. Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025 Station keeping The Expedition 73 crewmates also took part in activities to maintain the space station's systems and prepare for future research. Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
These $14 Ruffle Ankle Socks would look great with these $36 Mary Jane Ballet Flats, creating a chic, girly look—while this Brushed Bomber Jacket is a great bargain at just $56 and can dress up any look while keeping you warm. Amber Love Bond, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025 Over the last 30 years, the Air More Uptempo ’96 has been reissued and restocked more than many comparable retro sneakers, with Nike often keeping the shoe available season to season. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for keeping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keeping
Noun
  • Melanie Torres, a spokesperson for the District Attorney’s Office, did not respond to a request for comment on Loewen’s custody status.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2025
  • McClure would briefly lose custody of her children later that year after they were taken to a hospital with several marks, welts and bruises, the lawsuit alleges.
    Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Its approach suggests that in the years since Ferrante first made her way into American readers’ hands, the status of feminist writing has seen a true shift.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025
  • What Happens Next There will likely be long delays before SNAP benefits actually make it into the hands of beneficiaries again.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • As early as March 4, 2020, the FBI opened an assessment of Hole for possible adherence to racially motivated violent extremism.
    Tony Cook, IndyStar, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Police added that no evidence of postmortem fractures were found on the remains, adding that forensic investigators found soil adherence and staining that suggest the remains may have been in the ground for over five decades.
    David Chiu, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The final shape of Fence was to be determined by whatever land-use permissions were granted to the Christos.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Designed by women, for women, the Trailmix Cargo Pants are lightweight, durable, and stretchy, with an adjustable waistband that actually stays put, and a flattering shape that’s hard to find in women’s hiking gear.
    Ariana Dickson, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The air is thick with chants celebrating his milestone.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Nebraska tied the game with an extra point after Missouri students rushed the field, celebrating an apparent victory.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The signature lumber is low-maintenance and resists staining, fading, and retaining moisture — even in coastal and harsh climates.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The contemporary hull is designed to maximize openness while retaining a close connection with water.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Following too closely in its protagonist’s footsteps, The Queen of Versailles presents only two options — tough but spiritually fulfilling material deprivation or unconstrained acquisitiveness.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Being able to be with one of the biggest artists Puerto Rico has ever had in such a special month dedicated only to us is fulfilling to the heart.
    Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Avoid saving multiple cards on mobile wallets While convenient, storing several cards in one app can increase your exposure if your phone is compromised.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Seasonal Decorations Both Primack and Peak do not recommend storing your seasonal decorations in your bedroom closet.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Keeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keeping. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

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