keep 1 of 2

Definition of keepnext
1
as in to celebrate
to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony keep the Sabbath by not working

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to store
to place somewhere for safekeeping or ready availability I keep extra toothbrushes for unexpected overnight guests

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5
as in to maintain
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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keep

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of keep are celebrate, commemorate, and observe. While all these words mean "to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed," keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating.

kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

Where would celebrate be a reasonable alternative to keep?

While in some cases nearly identical to keep, celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity.

traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

When might commemorate be a better fit than keep?

In some situations, the words commemorate and keep are roughly equivalent. However, commemorate suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event.

commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths

When is it sensible to use observe instead of keep?

Although the words observe and keep have much in common, observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance.

not all holidays are observed nationally

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 keep
Verb
On the back, a checkerboard heel detail kept the Vans language intact beneath the collaboration’s heavier decoration. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 6 June 2026 This not only helps keep the pool clean, but also prevents any unattended risk. Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 6 June 2026
Noun
Three stages of filtration keep dust, dirt and pet dander from escaping back into the air. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026 That is a deal that earns its keep. Louis Mosca, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for keep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keep
Verb
  • During the gala the ministry of tourism also celebrated the launch of burgeoning destinations, major developments, and new hotels throughout the country, including in Miches, Punta Bergantín, Samaná, Santo Domingo, and Santiago.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
  • Baltimore's 2026 Pride Week will culminate with the annual parade and festival this weekend, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Many analysts favor Pashinyan's Civil Contract party to retain control of the parliament, but with many opposition parties running on pro-Russia platforms, the Caucasus nation's place on the international stage has been thrown into the spotlight.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026
  • Planting a cover crop around the tree will help the soil retain moisture.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Lizete González, a Mexico fan, said the city has a long way to go to fulfill its promises.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
  • The standard must be whether outcomes justified the investment, promises were fulfilled, and measurable results were achieved.
    Michele Steeb, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Multiple items of evidence were also stored incorrectly—including Tate’s phone, which was left lying around the station while the case stalled.
    Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
  • By storing more energy within the same weight, future semi-solid-state batteries could help increase vehicle range without requiring larger battery packs.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • County officials said the money would be used to repair roads, fix storm damage, maintain bridges and manage roadside vegetation.
    Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman maintained their leads in Tuesday’s latest vote count update, one day after the Associated Press projected the two Democrats would advance to a November runoff in the Los Angeles mayoral race.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • County officials said the money would be used to repair roads, fix storm damage, maintain bridges and manage roadside vegetation.
    Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • Wonder also owns and manages the kitchens, and handles delivery after buying GrubHub in a deal valued at $650 million that closed in 2025.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • This reaction, however, produces heat, which can be controlled through adding chemical inhibitors or utilizing release valves, chemists say.
    Jason Henry, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
  • In skincare, it’s commonly used to control oil, reduce acne, soothe irritation, and support the skin barrier.
    Tatiana Dias, Vogue, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • The weather service also urged people to avoid windows, and if outdoors, in a mobile home or in a vehicle to seek the closest substantial shelter and to protect themselves from flying debris.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
  • On Wednesday, Raman said her administration would focus on lowering housing costs, protecting renters, reducing homelessness, improving city services, strengthening emergency response systems, supporting small businesses and fighting to retain jobs in the entertainment industry.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Keep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keep. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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