Definition of maintain
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
4a : to support or provide for has a family to maintainb : sustain enough food to maintain life
5 : to affirm in or as if in argument : assert maintained that the earth is flat
maintainer
nounExplore Merriam-Webster
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
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Investing in American natural gas not only helps our economy and our jobs, but also helps our allies maintain their energy security.
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A Gary woman accused in the grisly 2015 shooting deaths of two teenage brothers, maintained her innocence during her trial Thursday during a two-hour cross-examination with prosecutors.
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Pugh was in the Air Force from 1986 to 1990, when he was trained to install and maintain aircraft engines and navigation and weapons systems.
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But the organization maintains that the movement toward the GRE did not spark the changes.
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And just like a pharmaceutical company that doesn’t want to cure diseases when managing them is so profitable, their top priority is never bringing the war to an end, but maintaining and expanding their power within the country.
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Northam touted a 10-year relationship with Del. Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights), who is set to be the next speaker of the House of Delegates if Republicans maintain their control after the November general election.
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But the losses do provide a window into how even the blue-blooded Yankees, who have been largely impervious to the market forces that have affected the rest of baseball, have had difficulty maintaining their audience.
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The tank is also designed to maintain a low profile on the battlefield, incorporating measures to reduce its infrared, radio, and radar signatures.
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
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of maintain
MAINTAIN Defined for English Language Learners
maintain
playDefinition of maintain for English Language Learners
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: to cause (something) to exist or continue without changing
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: to keep (something) in good condition by making repairs, correcting problems, etc.
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: to continue having or doing (something)
MAINTAIN Defined for Kids
Learn More about maintain
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for maintain Spanish Central: Translation of maintain Nglish: Translation of maintain for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of maintain for Arabic speakers
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