1
as in to remain
to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state
the ancient beliefs still held on in remote mountain villages
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to wait
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something
hold on a minute—it's not your turn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hold on
Christopher Lloyd, a longtime truck driver in Richmond, Virginia, is trying to hold on.
—
Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
The Detroit Tigers scored four times in the eighth inning off relievers Jeremiah Estrada and Wandy Peralta and held on for a 5-2 victory.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
But the Illini held on for the win.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
He is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond, according to the jail’s inmate listing.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
The Detroit Tigers scored four times in the eighth inning off relievers Jeremiah Estrada and Wandy Peralta and held on for a 5-2 victory.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
But the Illini held on for the win.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
He is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond, according to the jail’s inmate listing.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
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Upon arriving, the drone will remain up to 300 feet in the air while a pod, attached by a tether and carrying the product, descends to the ground.—
Chase Jordan
March 27,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Mar. 2026
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Following the money While much of the money’s final destination remains unclear, the documents offer glimpses into how some of it was spent.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Colorado Hospital Association — which opposes the bill — says state laws require all hospitals to screen patients for discounted care, wait six months before garnishing wages, and provide 30 days' notice.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
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With the March 31 deadline approaching, experts warn that waiting too long can leave Medicare users paying more—and with fewer options—until the next enrollment period begins in October.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The United States and Israel continue to strike Iran, whose retaliatory attacks have targeted Israel and neighboring Gulf Arab states.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
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Work on East Weatherford Street is scheduled to begin March 30, and continue through May 8.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Come for the jazz—from Grammy Award-winning bassists to young powerhouse vocalists—but stay for the chic atmosphere.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
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While Miami has stayed just below the $4 mark, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton/West Palm Beach County have broken the barrier.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Kevin MacEgan said his father’s honor, wisdom, kindness and character will serve as his lasting legacy.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
26 Mar. 2026
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And city residents question whether the strategy will produce lasting gains or primarily serve short-term political goals.—
Cleve R. Wootson Jr. The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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