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
They are being held on $200,000 bail.
—
Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Lawrence was taken to the Parker County Jail and is being held on over $50,000 bond.
—Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Trump’s comments have also raised fears among Democrats and voting-rights groups that the president could try to intervene in this year’s pivotal midterm elections, as Republicans try to hold on to slim majorities in both chambers.
—Justin Papp, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
He was held on a $75,000 bond and was expected to face a judge on Thursday.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Lawrence was taken to the Parker County Jail and is being held on over $50,000 bond.
—Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Trump’s comments have also raised fears among Democrats and voting-rights groups that the president could try to intervene in this year’s pivotal midterm elections, as Republicans try to hold on to slim majorities in both chambers.
—Justin Papp, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
He was held on a $75,000 bond and was expected to face a judge on Thursday.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
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The Arlington County Police Department announced the news on Thursday following a monthslong criminal investigation that remains active.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
-
These arginine-tyrosine interactions remain active as the fiber solidifies.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Children lean against a fence and wait to greet players during Dodgers spring training at Camelback Ranch in Arizona on Monday.—
Ronaldo Bolaños,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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Those 26 wins were the extent of his success, a great rookie season to be sure, but not exactly a guarantee that Tang was John Wooden in waiting.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Avian influenza continues to cause significant mortality in wild birds, prompting the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to recommend avoiding contact with wild birds.—
Bryan Hendricks,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
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Back at his home in Mazra’a, Awad’s wait for justice continues.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Silverblatt stayed at the company for the entirety of his career.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
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The 23-year-old Shelton buckled down and fought off all three match points to stay alive.—
José Sánchez Córdova,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The labor stoppage lasted 99 days, with the two sides reaching an agreement for a new CBA in time to avoid missing games in 2022.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Clark’s trial lasted 32 days over a period of several months.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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