as in survived
to continue to operate or to meet one's needs
we hoped our supply of firewood would hold out until power was restored luckily, the old outboard motor held out till we made it to shore
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 held out
Hunt and Lewis were listed as limited participants, while Ekwonu was held out of the first practice.
—
Mike Kaye
september 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2025
In 2023, Bosa held out until getting a five-year, $170 million extension, and the year before that, wide receiver Deebo Samuel asked to be traded before accepting a three-year extension.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
After flashing early in camp — including an interception off Zach Wilson that could have been returned for a touchdown — Trader was held out for much of the past 3 1/2 weeks while nursing a soft-tissue injury.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
In 2023, Chris Jones held out from the Kansas City Chiefs, skipping training camp and missing the season opener — just like Isak.
—Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025
If any of the four among Jeremiah Estrada, Adrián Morejón, Mason Miller and Robert Suarez had needed even a slight breather, Shildt surely would have held out that pitcher.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
The 2020 preseason was canceled because of COVID-19 and he was held out in each of the next four preseasons.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 17 Aug. 2025
Chapman was held out of the starting lineup on Wednesday as the Giants were swept by the Padres due to the ailment, and manager Bob Melvin said that Chapman underwent an MRI on Friday afternoon.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2025
Achane and defensive tackle Zach Sieler were held out of Thursday’s joint practice after appearing to make it through Wednesday’s session with the Lions.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
Mike Kaye
september 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2025
In 2023, Bosa held out until getting a five-year, $170 million extension, and the year before that, wide receiver Deebo Samuel asked to be traded before accepting a three-year extension.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
After flashing early in camp — including an interception off Zach Wilson that could have been returned for a touchdown — Trader was held out for much of the past 3 1/2 weeks while nursing a soft-tissue injury.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
In 2023, Chris Jones held out from the Kansas City Chiefs, skipping training camp and missing the season opener — just like Isak.
—Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025
If any of the four among Jeremiah Estrada, Adrián Morejón, Mason Miller and Robert Suarez had needed even a slight breather, Shildt surely would have held out that pitcher.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
The 2020 preseason was canceled because of COVID-19 and he was held out in each of the next four preseasons.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 17 Aug. 2025
Chapman was held out of the starting lineup on Wednesday as the Giants were swept by the Padres due to the ailment, and manager Bob Melvin said that Chapman underwent an MRI on Friday afternoon.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2025
Achane and defensive tackle Zach Sieler were held out of Thursday’s joint practice after appearing to make it through Wednesday’s session with the Lions.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for held out
Verb
-
Denver coach Sean Payton was done with Wilson, and the Broncos survived the hit.—
Mac Engel
September 4,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Sep. 2025
-
The brothers, Paul and Charles Buckel, survived.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
His killing spree lasted five years before he was caught on July 14, 2021, in connection with the deaths of two boys ages 12 and 13, The Washington Post reported.—
Christine Pelisek,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
In that lone start against the Miami Marlins, Tong lasted five innings and struck out six batters.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Still, the Taliban prevailed decisively.—
Dan Fisher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Experts prevailed, for a while.—
Brian Domitrovic,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Held out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/held%20out. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share