maintain

verb main·tain \ mān-ˈtān , mən- \

|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: maintain in a Sentence

Definition of maintain

maintained; maintaining; maintains

transitive verb

1 : to keep in an existing state (as of repair, efficiency, or validity) : preserve from failure or decline

maintain machinery

2 : to sustain against opposition or danger : uphold and defend

maintain a position

3 : to continue or persevere in : carry on, keep up

couldn't maintain his composure

4 a : to support or provide for

has a family to maintain

b : sustain

enough food to maintain life

5 : to affirm in or as if in argument : assert

maintained that the earth is flat

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maintainability

play \-ˌtā-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

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maintainable

play \-ˈtā-nə-bəl\ adjective

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maintainer

noun

See maintain defined for English-language learners

See maintain defined for kids

Examples of maintain in a Sentence

They have always maintained high standards of professional conduct.
He has found it difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
The company has done a poor job of maintaining its computer network.
It was obvious that the house had been poorly maintained.
She was finding it hard to maintain her balance.
She still maintains a close relationship with her college roommate.
It's difficult to maintain a correspondence when we're both so busy.
The pilot was struggling to maintain control of the aircraft.
The police say that they will do whatever is necessary to maintain law and order.

Recent Examples of maintain from the Web

Thousands of people look to their videos on product essentials and routines to help maintain their curly hair, so their hands-on experience has helped them discover some genius tricks.

— devon abelman, Allure, "11 Curl-Washing Tips From Real Women With Kinky-Curly Hair," 12 July 2018
Not all residents know how to install and maintain them, for one.

— brian barrett, WIRED, "The Flint Water Crisis Is Bigger Than Elon Musk," 12 July 2018
Bryant, who hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning, said maintaining strength in both shoulders will be a priority.

— mark gonzales, chicagotribune.com, "Cubs' Kris Bryant homers in first game back, says 'mission was accomplished' on rehab assignment," 11 July 2018
Peaches This sweet Georgia fruit is packed with potassium, a mineral that helps maintain fluid balance within the body.

— NBC News, "8 summer superfoods to eat after a tough workout," 11 July 2018
Mike Lozito, the county’s judicial services director, disputed McManus’ claim that officers would have to maintain control of detainees for too long.

— jasper scherer, San Antonio Express-News, "Tour of new intake center renews rift between officials," 11 July 2018
Darren Collison and Cory Joseph can help a team maintain order.

— matthew glenesk, Indianapolis Star, "In rare twist, Indiana Pacers are NBA free agency winners for once," 9 July 2018
Advocates for considering legacy status argue that favoring the children—and, in some cases, grandchildren—of graduates helps maintain an engaged and generous alumni base and lets students serve as ambassadors to new campus arrivals.

— melissa korn, WSJ, "How Much Does Being a Legacy Help Your College Admissions Odds?," 9 July 2018
But maintaining that cloaking as either the object or its surroundings heats up or cools down is tricky.

— The Economist, "How to fool infrared vision gear into thinking you are not there," 5 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'maintain.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of maintain

Middle English mainteinen, from Anglo-French maintenir, maynteiner, from Medieval Latin manutenēre, from Latin manu tenēre to hold in the hand

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

maintain Synonyms

Phrases

put forth;

Synonym Discussion of maintain

maintain, assert, defend, vindicate, justify mean to uphold as true, right, just, or reasonable. maintain stresses firmness of conviction.

- steadfastly maintained his innocence

assert suggests determination to make others accept one's claim.

- asserted her rights

defend implies maintaining in the face of attack or criticism.

- defended his voting record

vindicate implies successfully defending.

- his success vindicated our faith in him

justify implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to precedent.

- the action was used to justify military intervention

MAINTAIN Defined for English Language Learners

maintain

verb

Definition of maintain for English Language Learners

: to cause (something) to exist or continue without changing
: to keep (something) in good condition by making repairs, correcting problems, etc.
: to continue having or doing (something)