Synonyms of hold
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as in to grip
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as in to keep
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as in to think
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as in to contain
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as in to have
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as in to retain
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as in to accommodate
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as in to grasp
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as in to consider
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as in to regulate
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as in to aim
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as in grip
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as in stronghold
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as in sway
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as in contact
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as in jail
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as in understanding
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as in imprisonment
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1
as in to grip
to have or keep in one's hands
this casserole dish is too hot to hold, so grab a potholder
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2
as in to keep
to continue to have in one's possession or power
she, and she alone, held the keys to the mysterious chest
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3
as in to think
to have as an opinion
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal"
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5
as in to have
to keep in one's mind or heart
still held her close to his heart, though they had long parted
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6
as in to retain
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
the same family has held this piece of land for over 100 years
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as in to grasp
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms
please hold my arm on these slippery stairs
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as in to regulate
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
we managed to hold our laughter until we got outside hold your temper until you hear the whole story
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11
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal
held the camera on the actor throughout the scene
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1
as in grip
the act or manner of holding
make sure you have a firm hold on the chain saw before you turn it on
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2
as in stronghold
a structure or place from which one can resist attack
the ruins of an ancient Roman hold
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3
as in sway
the right or means to command or control others
the government has no hold over where we live and work
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4
as in contact
the state or fact of being able to exchange information regarding one's current situation
I worry that I won't be able to get hold of you in an emergency
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5
as in jail
a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody
upon hearing the guilty verdict, the accused realized that he would lie in that godforsaken hold for the remainder of his life
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6
as in understanding
the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something
I need to get hold of the situation before planning a course of action
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7
as in imprisonment
the state of being held in lawful custody
a suspected terrorist who was abducted at an airport and put in hold at an undisclosed location
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hold
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
The 22-year-old quarterback has reportedly applied to the NFL for eligibility in a supplemental draft to be held this summer, for players who weren’t eligible for the annual draft held in April, but who become eligible thereafter.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 June 2026
ABC News, 14 June 2026
High oil prices have put Federal Reserve rate cuts on hold indefinitely, and this has helped stabilize BDC income.
—Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold
Verb
The New Jersey native has held the TNA Knockouts World Championship and the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship twice with Kiera Hogan.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
The 22-year-old quarterback has reportedly applied to the NFL for eligibility in a supplemental draft to be held this summer, for players who weren’t eligible for the annual draft held in April, but who become eligible thereafter.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 June 2026
Noun
The Office of Special Counsel denied Joslin's initial request to put their termination on hold while investigating whether the Park Service broke the law, according to court filings.
—ABC News, 14 June 2026
High oil prices have put Federal Reserve rate cuts on hold indefinitely, and this has helped stabilize BDC income.
—Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold
Verb
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But for those of us following along at home, the terror and curiosity of what might happen made for gripping TV.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
12 June 2026
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One night, however, a chance encounter with a renowned artist was to grip me more than 60 years later, setting my nostalgia for Disneyland in dramatic black and white.—
Steve Martin,
The Atlantic,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Dec. 2025
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Head to Amazon to pick up a space heater, then keep scrolling for some of the best-selling models worth checking out.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
9 Dec. 2025
Verb
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However, don’t think the Vikings are just a pushover without a strong aspect to their team.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Dec. 2025
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Scientists think climate change is influencing atmospheric rivers.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The Chiefs Hall of Honor on the second-level concourse contains the organization’s four Super Bowl trophies, memorabilia, exhibits and documents, and there is no admission to walk through history.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2026
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The farm system does not contain an endless supply of prospects.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Josh Hokit dominated the first round against Derrick Lewis and had an armbar attempt for the final 30 seconds.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
15 June 2026
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The populist Swiss People’s Party, which has the most seats in parliament, has stirred up and fostered anti-migration sentiment over the years, notably about an influx of workers from European Union nations.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
Verb
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In April, its Global AI Hub Law draft set out three levels of data embassies, ranging from the guest country retaining full autonomy to hybrid legal protections where Saudi courts could assist foreign courts.—
Tasmin Lockwood,
CNBC,
9 Dec. 2025
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Add perlite, pine bark, coconut coir, or compost to indoor potting mix to make a mixture that retains moisture but doesn’t get waterlogged.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
8 Dec. 2025
Verb
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This is undoubtedly a more active trip, with many guests engaging in long, intense hikes or sea kayaking excursions, though gentler paces accommodated those with less mobility.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
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Grape growers and winemakers are shutting their doors or are being forced to adapt their products and amend their marketing plans to accommodate changing consumer demands.—
Lizzie Kane,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Every new one approaches life with a little different twist that the one that came before didn't have the time to grasp.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
14 June 2026
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McAfee, not fully grasping why people would want to drink milk that was unpasteurized, nonetheless went to his silo, filled half-gallon containers and packed them in ice chests.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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