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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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
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Recent Examples of hold
Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
The park would also be used when events are held at The Boardwalk, such as University City’s Farmer’s Market.
—Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Needham upgraded Applovin to buy from hold with a $700 price target.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold
Verb
The committee then recommended holding the Clintons in contempt in January.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
The park would also be used when events are held at The Boardwalk, such as University City’s Farmer’s Market.
—Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
But instead of leaving, the officers insisted on taking him into custody for his own safety under California’s Welfare and Institutions Code, known as a 5150 hold.
—Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Needham upgraded Applovin to buy from hold with a $700 price target.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold
Verb
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In a video that went viral on social media, the girl appeared to grip the chairlift in a desperate struggle as her feet flailed in the air, still strapped to her snowboard.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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The community held a candlelight vigil to pray for Nancy Guthrie's safe return as the baffling case grips the nation.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Pape Matar Sarr and Xavi Simons picked up the ball in dangerous areas, Dominic Solanke dragged Harry Maguire out of position, and Destiny Udogie kept flashing crosses into the box.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
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Reports of federal officers near schools and homes continue to circulate on chat groups and social media, keeping many immigrant families in their homes.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The 15-year-old boy, who had been diagnosed with cancer in November, could only think about his father’s safety.—
Susana Erazo,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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Soil and Water When choosing a place in your yard for skeleton flower plants, select loamy, well-drained, yet moist soil that is rich in organic matter—think forest floor, not a sunny vegetable garden.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Emerging from the Working group, Penny beat out 2,499 other canines spread across seven different groups containing 204 total breeds to win the coveted prize.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
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The polar vortex is a persistent, large-scale cyclone that circles the Arctic and contains extremely cold air.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Known for combining high fashion with streetwear, Bad Bunny has a reputation for adventurous and subversive style.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
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Judges in counties with the program have a list of OFR attorneys who can be contacted and paid through legislative appropriations, rather than through court funds.—
Raynee Howell,
Oklahoma Watch,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The company expects to close a deal in the spring to sell 60% of its China business to Boyu Capital, while retaining a 40% stake.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
8 Feb. 2026
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The next year, he was appointed sheriff, but lost an election in 2016 to retain the position.—
Peter D'Abrosca , Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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According to its January 28 earnings call, the company plans to wind down production of the Model S Sedan and Model X SUV to accommodate the manufacturing of the Optimus robot at its Fremont factory.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Feb. 2026
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And at some venues, the entire floor and field will be raised to accommodate the modifications.—
Henry Bushnell,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Johnson’s daughter, six-year-old Adelynn, didn’t immediately grasp his rooting interest.—
Sam McDowell
February 8,
Kansas City Star,
8 Feb. 2026
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The Hoka boots have a durable and winter-proof mesh upper made mostly of recycled polyester, and a Vibram Megagrip EVA sole engineered to grasp the slickest surfaces.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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