Synonyms of hold
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as in to grip 
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as in to keep
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as in to think
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as in to contain
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as in to have
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as in to retain
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as in to accommodate
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as in to grasp
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as in to consider
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as in to regulate
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as in to aim
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as in grip
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as in stronghold
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as in sway
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as in contact
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as in jail
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as in understanding
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as in imprisonment
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1
as in to grip
to have or keep in one's hands
this casserole dish is too hot to hold, so grab a potholder
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2
as in to keep
to continue to have in one's possession or power
she, and she alone, held the keys to the mysterious chest
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3
as in to think
to have as an opinion
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal"
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5
as in to have
to keep in one's mind or heart
still held her close to his heart, though they had long parted
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6
as in to retain
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
the same family has held this piece of land for over 100 years
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as in to grasp
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms
please hold my arm on these slippery stairs
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10
as in to regulate
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
we managed to hold our laughter until we got outside hold your temper until you hear the whole story
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11
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal
held the camera on the actor throughout the scene
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1
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
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2
as in stronghold
a structure or place from which one can resist attack
the ruins of an ancient Roman hold
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3
as in sway
the right or means to command or control others
the government has no hold over where we live and work
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4
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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5
as in jail
a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody
upon hearing the guilty verdict, the accused realized that he would lie in that godforsaken hold for the remainder of his life
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6
as in understanding
the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something
I need to get hold of the situation before planning a course of action
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7
as in imprisonment
the state of being held in lawful custody
a suspected terrorist who was abducted at an airport and put in hold at an undisclosed location
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of hold
Olivia Munson, USA Today, 1 July 2025
The Mariners hold a 5 1/2-game game over the Royals in the AL Wild Card standings.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
In a 6-3 decision, the court said the holds must be narrowed to allow no more relief than necessary.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold
Verb
Republicans, who hold a 53-47 majority, face united Democratic opposition − and the defection of at least two of their own members.
—Olivia Munson, USA Today, 1 July 2025
The Mariners hold a 5 1/2-game game over the Royals in the AL Wild Card standings.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2025
Noun
Those contract negotiations are currently on hold due to the gambling probe, sources told ESPN.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
In a 6-3 decision, the court said the holds must be narrowed to allow no more relief than necessary.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold
Verb
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The case gripped Australia The bizarre and tragic case has lingered in the minds of Australians and has provoked fervor among the public and media.—
Charlotte Graham-McLay,
Los Angeles Times,
7 July 2025
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When your hands are covered in flour, holding a paintbrush, or gripping a climbing wall, your phone is simply unavailable.—
Marina Cooley,
CNBC,
5 July 2025
Verb
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Discover easy meal prep strategies, nutritious grab-and-go options, and time-saving hacks to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.—
Essence,
Essence,
10 July 2025
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The Fed’s primary role is setting the target federal funds rate, operating on a dual-mandate system to steady inflation and keep employment robust.—
Derek Saul,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Verb
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In dialogue with feminist visual traditions—think Jo Spence and Ana Mendieta—Brontē’s project carves its own terrain.—
Alessia Glaviano,
Vogue,
7 July 2025
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Founding member of the pop rock band OneRepublic and political outsider Tim Myers thinks so.—
William Melhado
July 7,
Sacbee.com,
7 July 2025
Verb
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The Senate bill containing President Trump's domestic policy agenda at the last minute eliminated a new excise tax that would have hammered the renewable energy industry, a move that likely ensured Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska would back the measure.—
Tracy J. Wholf
July 1,
CBS News,
1 July 2025
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For reference, a cigarette typically contains 10 to 15 mg of nicotine.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
1 July 2025
Verb
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With a sateen-weave finish, the sheets and pillowcases have a silky feel and a temperature-regulating design to help sleepers stay cool at night.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
29 June 2025
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Paul Goldschmidt had one of just three Yankees hits in Saturday’s 7-0 loss to the A’s, but that didn’t stop him from sharing some self-depreciation after the game.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
29 June 2025
Verb
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Schools have used the money to recruit and retain educators during the state’s ongoing teacher shortage.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 July 2025
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Peter Shane, an adjunct professor at New York University School of Law, told USA TODAY that over the years Congress has given the president authority to move parts of agencies around, but retained veto authority over the changes following the 1930s New Deal.—
Erin Mansfield,
USA Today,
10 July 2025
Verb
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There is no requirement under HB 46, or any prior Texas law, for employers to accommodate the use of medical marijuana.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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Guests with food allergies or dietary concerns are accommodated, too.—
Susan B. Barnes,
Travel + Leisure,
1 July 2025
Verb
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What’s interesting is that some in the Middle East, and probably many more than Americans are aware of, grasp the above assertion about what not only the Middle East needs, but every country reliant on American money, military protection, advice, or all three needs.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Reaching for the Christ child, batting away evil spirits, grasping after floating words.—
Zadie Smith,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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