hold down 1 of 2

Definition of hold downnext
as in to limit
to set bounds or an upper limit for efforts to hold down taxes keep running up against the legislature's ingrained unwillingness to cut spending

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hold-down

2 of 2

noun

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 hold down
Verb
In Normal, our guy plays Ulysses, a substitute sheriff who’s just holding down the fort for a few weeks until a new sheriff can be elected after the old one passed away under strange circumstances. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026 Matt Waldron held down the fort for three months when injuries ravaged the Padres’ starting rotation in 2024. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
Then, 12 hold-down bolts fired and freed the Delta IV Heavy for its climb into space with a top-secret payload for the US government's spy satellite agency. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 9 Apr. 2024 If the hold-down clamp is not tightened properly, the battery could move, allowing the positive terminal to contact the clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire, the company said. CBS News, 1 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for hold down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold down
Verb
  • Imanaga tossed seven innings for the first time this season, limiting the Phillies to just three hits, including the home run, while walking one and striking out one batter.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Durant, who missed Game 1 with a right knee injury suffered in practice, had a team-high 23 points, six rebounds and four assists, though he was limited to just three points in the second half and had nine turnovers for the game.
    Dan Woike, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The humble fastener has enthralled Chamberlain for years—so much so that a tattoo of a singular button is etched into her upper arm.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Apr. 2026
  • When force is applied in the driving direction, torque tightens or loosens a fastener.
    Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As with its counterparts, Washington’s law does not restrict the types of other professional activities an agent may pursue while representing athletes.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Sometimes, people don’t like being restricted and get messy when limits are put on their relationships.
    Ashley Oerman, SELF, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Place recommends treating both metals as tactical diversifiers, not core portfolio holdings.
    Sharon Wu, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
  • While the minimum memecoin holdings to attend the TRUMP dinner at a Virginia golf club in 2025 was roughly $55,000, according to data from the analytics firm Nansen, one apparent invitee for the upcoming conference only held TRUMP tokens worth around $8,460 at the time that the leaderboard closed.
    Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment dramatically lifts, firms, and tightens sagging, crepey skin and smooths the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • While perennially popular countries such as Italy and Portugal are tightening immigration regulations, many other places still offer enticing options for relocation.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Late in the first half, the senior midfielder ripped in a free kick from 35 yards to help visiting Providence earn a 1-1 tie against crosstown rival Lincoln-Way Central in New Lenox.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Also in the Trinity League on Friday, JSerra moved into a second-place tie with Santa Margarita with a 2-0 win against Mater Dei.
    Dan Albano, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Choose from long and short classic notch collar pajama sets and beautiful robes.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Due to strong currents, divers struggled to stabilize Orion with an inflatable collar that was wrapped around its base.
    Miles Doran, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hold down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20down. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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