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

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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
This was just one of a great number of changes the couple made to the house over several years, gradually altering the layout of the rooms and adding a bath and an oven as their fortunes improved, thanks to the increasing popularity of Virginia’s work and Leonard’s attentive book-keeping. Katie Da Cunha Lewin september 26, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025 Sustained allegations include medication mismanagement due to lack of training, poor supervision of residents due to short-staffing and improper record-keeping, also due to inadequate training. Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
In that case, Oribe’s thickening spray is a reliable go-to for keeping fringe bouncy, while also offering heat protection. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2025 Clear bins with lids are ideal for keeping these toys clean and dry. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for keeping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keeping
Noun
  • Also in August, Edward Alexander Dana, who was arrested on vandalism charges, was accused of threatening the President while in police custody.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
  • His allies in Georgia flagged chain-of-custody gaps and possible duplicate scanning during the post-election audit period.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • One hour and forty minutes later the two leaders re-emerged and could be seen shaking hands at the conclusion of their talks.
    Betsy Klein, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Carpenter asked, as Fogelmanis smiled and held up his hands to receive the pink handcuffs.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 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 cropped, slim fit gives it a modern shape that layers cleanly under blazers or coats.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
  • See one example in the away win over Dynamo Kyiv, where Mateta makes a near-post sprint as Yeremy Pino shapes to cross.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In one video shared by Dodgers Nation on X, Tanaka can be seen celebrating with Ohtani and their dog, Decoy, on the field after the team won the NL West.
    Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • What makes celebrating this time of year feel special for you?
    NPR Staff, NPR, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • His team hammered visitors City 4-1 on November 5, and put another four past Braga five days later en route to retaining their Primeira Liga title.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 1 Nov. 2025
  • Attracting and retaining young talent—many of whom are native AI users—puts a premium on authentic leadership, growth opportunities, and inclusive cultures, according to the panelists.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Guerrero ended the game, and his season, stranded on third base—90 feet from fulfilling his ambition of giving a World Series ring to his father, who has a Hall of Fame plaque but no ring to show for his 16 years in the big leagues.
    Steve Rushin, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Geralt and Yennefer are determined to stop Emperor Emhyr var Emreis (Bart Edwards) from fulfilling an ancient prophecy — which involves marrying his own daughter, Ciri — and gaining enough power to rule the entire Continent.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Quince Vintage Wash Tencel Drawstring Cargo Pants features six roomy pockets, which are perfect for storing small items while sightseeing, hiking, or taking long flights.
    Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Utilities were stuck with the headache and expense of storing waste themselves, so in 2014, a judge forbade the federal government from continuing to collect the NWF fees.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Keeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keeping. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

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