HOLD ON Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

hold on

verb

Definition of hold on

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 on He was held on a $1 million bond and is scheduled to be arraigned in court on Monday. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 10 July 2026 Adrian Del Castillo hit a three-run home run in the first inning and the Arizona Diamondbacks held on to beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 on Saturday night. — ABC News, 5 July 2026 Despite a late flurry of chances, Argentina held on to avoid what would have been potentially the biggest upset in World Cup history. — Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 Portugal somehow held on, and Goncalo Ramos’ 94th-minute header, with Ronaldo substituted, sparked delirium after a delightful Rafael Leao cross. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hold on

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on

Verb

Still, the pieces of ceiling trim dedicated to the pillars of courage and trust remained missing, a nod perhaps to the traits most easily lost when disaster strikes – and most needed to rebuild.

— Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
There’s enough cash on hand for Rhaenyra to administer the Seven Kingdoms for a fortnight, and no one remaining from the old regime — not Alicent, not Orwyle — knows where Lannister hid the rest of the ingots.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026

Definition of remain

Verb

Whatever ailed this World Cup, the beautiful game was waiting with its healing powers.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
Switzerland's Djibril Sow took a hard shot in the 19th minute that was hit like a line drive — right into the waiting arms of Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 July 2026

Definition of wait

Verb

There is not one condition in which continuing with regular physical activity and exercise is not recommended.

— Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
Sharp, a rookie second-round draft pick from Houston, continued to impress at both ends of the floor with big shots and big stops on defense.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of continue

Verb

The best meals arrive slowly, with water nearby, warm air moving through the room, and service that makes staying longer feel like the only sensible decision.

— Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
People should stay indoors as much as possible to avoid the extreme heat, especially as smoke moves in, said Tyler Hasenstein, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, Minnesota.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026

Definition of stay

Verb

Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for 3 days for each person in your home.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
The relationship lasted until last month when the girl detailed it to Special Victims Bureau detectives, the sheriff’s office said.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026