Synonyms of hold on

hold on

verb

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

• remain
• continue
• last
• persist
• run on
• stay
• endure
• hold up
• keep up
• survive
• abide
• bide
• stick around
• linger
• perdure
• prevail
• carry through
• tarry

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stop
• die
• pass
• end
• wind up
• conclude
• finish
• close
• cease
• terminate
• die (down)
• quit
• expire
• discontinue
• leave off
• lapse
• desist
• moderate
• subside
• abate
• let up
• wane
• ebb

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

• wait
• stay
• hold one's breath
• sit tight
• bide one's time
• await
• cool one's heels
• remain
• hang around
• linger
• stick around
• bide
• stand by
• watch (for)
• expect
• anticipate
• tarry

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hold on

Thursday was a return to winning, as the Lakers held on to the fourth seed in the Western Conference for at least another day by relying on LeBron James and a host of players who had struggled since the team’s season was flipped on its head. —Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2026

Planet then imposed a 14 day hold on all imagery out of the region before switching to an indefinite moratorium. —Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026

Diminishing winds overnight, with more optimistic forecasts for Saturday, allowed firefighters to gain a greater hold on the fire. —Austin Turner, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026

Davidson was held on a $250,000 bond and was expected to be arraigned on Monday in Stamford Superior Court. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026