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
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Recent Examples of held out
Losing hope Some of Blue Hills’ former employees initially held out hope that the nonprofit could reopen once the state finished its audit and lifted the freeze on Blue Hills accounts.
—
Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026
Their postseason has seen a continuation of that hand-grenade-and-horseshoe acumen, though the Kings have held out hope until the bitter end.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
With starter Maverick Baranowski held out, a few of them backed up the praise on Saturday.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026
Jensen overslept and was held out of the lineup against the Twins.
—Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026
Even with Malachi Toney held out of 11 on 11 work and Joshua Moore sidelined after getting banged up in 1 on 1 drills earlier in the day, UM receivers consistently demonstrated a combination of speed, skilled route running and soft hands.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
Chapman has missed the spring rehabbing from an injury, while Deal has been held out of most team drills to stay healthy.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, Horford has played over 30 minutes twice this season, Porzingis not once since joining the Warriors in February, and both have struggled with injuries all season while being held out of both sides of back-to-backs.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026
James and Luke Kennard were held out of the second half as a precautionary measure, and the Lakers closed the regular season on a three-game winning streak.
—CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026
Their postseason has seen a continuation of that hand-grenade-and-horseshoe acumen, though the Kings have held out hope until the bitter end.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
With starter Maverick Baranowski held out, a few of them backed up the praise on Saturday.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026
Jensen overslept and was held out of the lineup against the Twins.
—Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026
Even with Malachi Toney held out of 11 on 11 work and Joshua Moore sidelined after getting banged up in 1 on 1 drills earlier in the day, UM receivers consistently demonstrated a combination of speed, skilled route running and soft hands.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
Chapman has missed the spring rehabbing from an injury, while Deal has been held out of most team drills to stay healthy.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, Horford has played over 30 minutes twice this season, Porzingis not once since joining the Warriors in February, and both have struggled with injuries all season while being held out of both sides of back-to-backs.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026
James and Luke Kennard were held out of the second half as a precautionary measure, and the Lakers closed the regular season on a three-game winning streak.
—CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for held out
Verb
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His conviction and sentence have survived multiple challenges.—
Rafael Olmeda,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
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Conway is survived by his writer wife, Laura Beth Conway, according to Marvel Comics’ tribute.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Moreover, Puth played several keyboard solos that lasted two minutes or longer, including in two of his first three selections.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
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Ryan gave up seven runs - four earned - in five innings, while the Mets' Christian Scott lasted just 1 1/3 innings and walked five in his first appearance with the club since July 21, 2024.—
CBS New York Team,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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History belies that interpretation, as prior to the amendment, common law prevailed and all (except Blacks, Amerindians and offspring of diplomats) were regarded as citizens at birth (one of the unenumerated rights of the Ninth Amendment).—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
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But first lady Laura Bush prevailed.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Held out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/held%20out. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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