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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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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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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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
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Recent Examples of hold
ABC News, 12 May 2026
In Solano County, Garamendi, who has served in Congress since 2009 and held senior posts in state government since the 1970s, faces three challengers — two Democrats and one Republican — in the redrawn 8th District.
—Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Monique O. Madan, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026
So many of our unhoused hold jobs, send their children to school, and try their hardest to live productive lives.
—Michael Perkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold
Verb
The French government was holding two new hantavirus emergency meetings Tuesday, the prime minister said.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
In Solano County, Garamendi, who has served in Congress since 2009 and held senior posts in state government since the 1970s, faces three challengers — two Democrats and one Republican — in the redrawn 8th District.
—Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Noun
The guidance spreading across the region reflects a broader shift already taking hold across the state.
—Monique O. Madan, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026
So many of our unhoused hold jobs, send their children to school, and try their hardest to live productive lives.
—Michael Perkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold
Verb
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State and federal investigators returned Tuesday to a North Texas home at the center of the disappearance of a 6-year-old boy, digging up parts of the backyard as authorities pursue new leads in a case that has gripped the community for years.—
Amelia Mugavero,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
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April’s inflation rate means prices are now rising faster than wages for the first time since 2023, which could aggravate the affordability crisis that has already been gripping consumers.—
Steve Kopack,
NBC news,
12 May 2026
Verb
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The show gives the 11-year-old book a modern polish but keeps the slow-burn journey of lust and love.—
Jennifer McClellan,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
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Duff said that while lawmakers largely supported the provision and wanted to see state tourism dollars increase, it was left out due to funding concerns and needing to keep the state’s budget balanced.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
Verb
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If there are Porthilly oysters on the menu don’t even think about ordering another starter.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
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Returning last summer, I was reminded of the incredible detail and thought put into every element of the park.—
Zachary Laks,
Travel + Leisure,
15 May 2026
Verb
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According to a source briefed on the situation, the illness was contained to the Victoire.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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The public ferry contains a ramp, but wheelchair users arriving by the small guest-only boats will need assistance getting on and off.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Today’s draftniks have access to endless high-def broadcasts and custom compilations showing a prospect’s every snap.—
Dan Greene,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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Cleveland had the advantage offensively against Detroit but won’t against New York, San Antonio or Oklahoma City.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Lio Rush to retain the Ring of Honor World TV Championship.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
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The city even wants to use bricks instead of asphalt to retain the area's image.—
Jeff Wagner,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
Verb
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It's designed to accommodate a second seat, allowing families to expand without needing an entirely new stroller.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
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Subscribers can customize boxes to accommodate their dog's specific dietary restrictions.—
Rachel Cortez,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Just over a month ago and just about 10 miles away, Rice‘s blue-and-yellow nails grasped the NCAA championship trophy in celebration at Pauley Pavilion.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
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Newcomers looking to grasp the eclectic essence of Eurovision and its interplay of pop and politics should look no further than two of the fan favorites to emerge during a week that saw two semifinals ahead of the grand finale.—
Jill Lawless,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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