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
Having been personally affected by fire and being rebuilt from the ashes, this project holds profound meaning for me. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2025 Climate change is also holding more moisture in the air, leading to heavier rainfall — which scientists say is another factor in destabilizing certain slopes. Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
Williams stars as Morgan Grant, a young mom who puts her ambitions on hold to raise her teenage daughter, Clara (Grace). Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025 If the shutdown extends past Friday, CalFresh’s November benefits — about $300 a family, said Baker — could be placed on hold, affecting tens of thousands of Yolo County households. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold
Verb
  • There were barrel racers slicing turns like poetry, bull riders gripping for glory, and calf ropers moving with the precision of surgeons.
    Essence, Essence, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The kicks also feature a herringbone outsole, per the product description, designed to grip hardwood floors.
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • These price adjustments are meant to keep deliveries moving smoothly during the high-volume months of November and December.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Or, keep scrolling to see other stylish toiletry bags available from Quince.
    Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And if your gifts are on the heavier side, think homemade treats, books, or candles; flat-rate boxes can be your best friend since the price stays the same no matter how far the package travels.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
  • As gutting as that was, the team received uplifting news on each player Monday indicating that neither injury was as serious as initially thought.
    Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Comparable in size to the Arc de Triomphe, the Porte Monumentale also contained surface ornamentation based on Haeckel’s exacting lifelong documentation of organisms to be found in the world’s oceans.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Along with the remains, deputies found a backpack with clothes inside, a water bottle and a diary that didn’t contain any writing that helped in identifying the woman, according to a news release by the DNA Doe Project.
    Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Players can also add the Double Play for an additional $1 to have a second chance at winning $10 million.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 23 Oct. 2025
  • That means more than one of every eight of Kroger's 103 stores in its Cincinnati-Dayton division (which includes Northern Kentucky) have the digital devices so far.
    Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The design challenge is to maintain console-grade responsiveness while retaining flexibility, likely through a dedicated TV shell and systems that manage background apps and drivers.
    Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Sarah retained her Duchess of York title following her divorce.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The great infrastructure projects of the last century included airports, transnational highways, and deep water harbors that accommodated cargo containers.
    Bipul Sinha, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Gymshark and Nike alum Ronald Reijmers was named vice president of global retail to accommodate the restructure.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • My teacher grasped my wrists, forcing me to pick it up.
    Erin Silvia, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • On a night in which the bench truly ignited the Raptors, there were positives to grasp.
    Eric Koreen, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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