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
The moon's hold on humankind In Caral, an ancient city in Peru that predates the Egyptian pyramids of Giza, citizens built structures to observe the moon, and not just the sun.
—
Doris Elin Urrutia, Space.com, 30 May 2026
Brewer centerfielder Ava Pena got a glove on the ball and held on for a second, but lost it while diving to the ground.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2026
Holy Family held on for a 13-6 win.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
This year’s Produced By is being held on the Universal lot.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Doris Elin Urrutia, Space.com, 30 May 2026
Brewer centerfielder Ava Pena got a glove on the ball and held on for a second, but lost it while diving to the ground.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2026
Holy Family held on for a 13-6 win.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
This year’s Produced By is being held on the Universal lot.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
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With approximately 56% of votes counted, analysts say Steyer would need to outperform Becerra by roughly 12 points in remaining ballots to advance to November.—
Ruyuan Li. Story produced with AI assistance,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2026
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If caught in a rip current, remain calm.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 June 2026
Verb
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At the end of one of the castle’s walkways, after a turn or two—by electric cart, bicycle, or on foot—and with the air filled with the scent of pine, rosemary, and jasmine, the sentinels are waiting, carved into the rock where the fort’s cannons were once located.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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Iyo Sky, Roxanne Perez, Giulia and Lash Legend squared off in a fatal four-way match with a spot in the semifinals waiting for the winner.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Verb
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However, earlier attempts to suspend the rules to allow for other motions, like using paper ballots or allowing no endorsements, failed twice, and the party continued using the clickers to cast votes.—
Jimmy Lovrien,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2026
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The momentum continued to stay with the Warhawks in the following frame as Jorge Luque led off the bottom of the fifth with a single down the right-field line which was misplayed for a two-base error.—
Rick Hoff,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Due to safety concerns, the age restriction for overwater villa stays is 13 and up, though parents or guardians can sign a waiver upon booking.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
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More importantly, leadership storytelling requires energy, curiosity, and the willingness to stay awake to what others miss.—
Esther K. Choy,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Verb
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The June 3 gathering, lasting over three hours, was no less heated.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
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After negotiations that lasted nearly nine hours, Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement a ceasefire, contingent on a cessation of Hezbollah fire and the removal of Hezbollah operatives from southern Lebanon.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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