hold 1 of 2

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as in to contain
to have within the mysterious chest held an ancient book on magic spells and potions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to accommodate
to make or have room for the couple needed to rent a hall that would hold 300 people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal held the camera on the actor throughout the scene

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hold

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noun

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as in grip
the act or manner of holding make sure you have a firm hold on the chain saw before you turn it on

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in contact
the state or fact of being able to exchange information regarding one's current situation I worry that I won't be able to get hold of you in an emergency

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word hold different from other verbs like it?

The words accommodate and contain are common synonyms of hold. While all three words mean "to have or be capable of having within," hold implies the capacity of containing or the usual or permanent function of containing or keeping.

the bookcase will hold all my textbooks

When is it sensible to use accommodate instead of hold?

The words accommodate and hold are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, accommodate stresses holding without crowding or inconvenience.

the hall can accommodate 500 people

When would contain be a good substitute for hold?

While the synonyms contain and hold are close in meaning, contain implies the actual presence of a specified substance or quantity within something.

the can contains a quart of oil

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 hold
Verb
Ezra Levin, the head of Indivisible, a grassroots movement associated with the movement, told the Jim Acosta Show that an upcoming coordinated protest on June 14, President Donald Trump's birthday and Flag Day, would take place in areas away from where Trump is holding a parade. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 The Forty Mile Tattoo Convention will be held Friday, July 25, to Sunday, July 27, at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento, 3317 Forty Mile Road in Wheatland. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
Three weeks after Skydance paused new spending on a series starring and executive produced by Jeremy Strong and written and executive produced by Tobias Lindholm and Frank Pugliese, the high-profile drama has been put on hold, sources tell Deadline. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 28 May 2025 There’s also a customizable focus hold button that can be assigned with other functions using the camera menu. James Abbott, Space.com, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold
Verb
  • Adapted from the Danish novels by Scott Frank (The Queen’s Gambit), the Netflix series is a gripping yarn about the yoke of guilt and the unwavering patience of redemption.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 30 May 2025
  • His gripped his white wine like a potion, delivering hope.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Cruising Altitude: Air traffic control keeps planes moving.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • London kept control of the archipelago and renamed it as the British Indian Ocean Territory.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Designing and planning your garden requires thinking about when and what to grow.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 1 June 2025
  • The fire is thought to have originated from natural causes.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • But decades of poor water management, which have dried up lakes, rivers, and wetlands that once helped contain these storms, have turned sand and dust storms into a pressing challenge for the region, with many consequences.
    Sanam Mahoozi, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • For example, foods containing the slow-release carbohydrate sweetener sucromalt help people with diabetes prevent blood sugar spikes, and hypoallergenic infant formula can be lifesaving for infants that cannot digest milk at a young age.
    Paul Dawson, The Conversation, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Billy has had an illustrious career over the years.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • As symbols of Floyd’s place in history have faded, so too have hopes for federal police reform, commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion and American optimism about the future of racial justice.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • So far, the second-term Trump Administration has scrubbed federal websites, limited reporters’ access, and used disappearing-message apps for high-level communications that typically should be retained for posterity.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 23 May 2025
  • While the physical manuscripts have returned to China and will go on view at the National Museum of China in July, the Smithsonian will retain digital versions of the documents for further research.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Each block is meant to accommodate a building with ground-floor storefronts topped by either residential units or office space and each with its own parking structure.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
  • Bleacher capacity will increase from 1,886 people to 2,750 to accommodate larger crowds for football games, future graduation ceremonies and band competitions.
    Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Officials have expressed concern about a lack of formal training, and there is an apprehension that podcasters might not always grasp the nuances of criminal investigations or the implications of publicizing sensitive information.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
  • The ban on offensive players from pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping or encircling a runner was supported by a 22-10 vote, according to a person with knowledge of the proceedings, speaking on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the details weren’t made public.
    Dave Campbell, Twin Cities, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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