1
as in to postpone
to assign to a later time
held up mail delivery until we had a permanent address
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stop
to bring (something) to a standstill
traffic was held up for miles by the accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to hamper
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
if lack of transportation is the only thing holding you up, I can give you a ride
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to survive
to continue to operate or to meet one's needs
the air conditioner held up this year, but it's not going to make it through another summer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to remain
to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state
the storm's hurricane-force winds did not hold up once it hit the coast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to fly
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
an argument that won't hold up in court
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in delay
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business
a holdup in construction due to the weather
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 up
Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
The plant blooms vigorously from spring through summer—no deadheading required—and holds up well through heat and drought.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Jan. 2026
Nicole Busch, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
However, economic uncertainty has slowed the process for some companies, and regulatory holdups have played a bigger role than anticipated.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold up
Verb
Suamataia holding up was one of the few things that went right.
—Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
The plant blooms vigorously from spring through summer—no deadheading required—and holds up well through heat and drought.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
Trumka blames current leadership at the agency for the holdup.
—Nicole Busch, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
However, economic uncertainty has slowed the process for some companies, and regulatory holdups have played a bigger role than anticipated.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold up
Verb
-
Consider postponing boating activities on the lake until a day with less wind.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Some of his concerts were canceled or postponed due to health reasons, and some fans criticized the singer for putting on lackluster performances.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
On third-and-1 with seven seconds left, Schakel took the snap and tried to spike the ball, which would have stopped the clock and given his team one final play to go for the win.—
Alex Valdes,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Among those who do use an advisor, 26% are considering switching and 18% may stop using an advisor altogether.—
Robert Frank,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Archival added that rescue efforts had been hampered by the fact that any sparks created by digging machinery could ignite methane gas emitted by the landfill, per the outlet.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Both pilots survived the crash.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
To become Florida law, bills need to survive committee hearings, pass votes in the House and Senate and avoid the governor’s veto pen.—
Ryan Ballogg,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
For many young women, the stiletto’s discomfort is part of the appeal, offering proof that effort and glamor remain in an age of casual sneakers.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The quarterback situation remained dire.—
Ira Gorawara,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The self-flying camera is equipped with a 4K camera capable of recording at up to 100 frames per second.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
On Wednesday, numerous commemorations and tributes occurred in the devastated communities and throughout the city and county of Los Angeles —including flags flying at half-staff at City Hall, county buildings and at all state buildings.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
From plane seatback organizers to carry-on cup holders, these accessories can save you from boarding delays and other headaches—starting at $9.—
Jillian Dara,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Hi Lab positions HyDee as a response to those challenges by eliminating charging delays associated with battery systems.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
However, a ruling could still be deferred until later in 2026, which many Beltway insiders believe could be more realistic.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Eighty years later, the country learned what happens when maintenance is deferred.—
Philip Martin,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hold up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20up. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share