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

But the Democratic candidates who could help the party regain control of the Senate may complicate Schumer’s effort to hold on to his leading role. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026

The Phillies, in Game 2, came back from down 3-1 in the eighth with solo homers by Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, respectively, then got a two-out solo home run from Alec Bohm in the top of the 10th and held on to win 4-3. — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Bryce Underwood threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to JJ Buchanan early in the fourth quarter -- their second scoring connection of the game -- but the Wolverines (3-1, 0-1) could not make enough plays on either sides of the ball to hold on for the win. — Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026

Now, the taqueria, which has held on to its homemade flavors for the past 60 years, will soon disappear, too. — Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026