HOLD DOWN Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

hold down 1 of 2

verb

Definition of hold down

as in to limit

to set bounds or an upper limit for efforts to hold down taxes keep running up against the legislature's ingrained unwillingness to cut spending

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hold-down

2 of 2

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 down

Verb

Collin is finally sharing the truth about being held down, the basement cell where he was hidden for years, and the cocktail of powerful antipsychotics forced on an 11-year-old boy. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 The billionaire said that choosing to go in or not could mean the difference between simply holding down a job and building a career. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 30 June 2026

Noun

These hold-down test-firings are typically one of the final milestones in a Starship launch campaign before SpaceX moves the rocket to the launch pad. — ArsTechnica, 19 June 2025 Then, 12 hold-down bolts fired and freed the Delta IV Heavy for its climb into space with a top-secret payload for the US government's spy satellite agency. — Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 9 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for hold down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold down

Verb

Elsewhere in defence, Liverpool will have their two senior left-backs — Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas — available, which may limit the opportunities for Luke Chambers (22) and Calum Scanlon (21).

— Andy Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Make simple shifts such as limiting soda and sugary drinks and snacks while focusing on healthy meals and having a treat at the end of the day.

— Allison Aubrey, NPR, 13 July 2026

Definition of limit

Noun

Push on it and the load distributes across the whole shell instead of finding the weakest fastener.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 July 2026
The humble fastener has enthralled Chamberlain for years—so much so that a tattoo of a singular button is etched into her upper arm.

— Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Apr. 2026

Definition of fastener

Verb

These shorts deliberately restrict blood flow from the lower extremities, causing veins to bulge as blood pools.

— Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026
In Spain, the UK, and Switzerland, temperatures hit all-time highs, prompting many outdoor attractions to close or restrict their hours.

— Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Definition of restrict

Noun

The collection is among the most significant private holdings of European art assembled in the 21st century, and was gifted to the museum in 2024.

— News Desk, Artforum, 16 July 2026
The gift nearly doubles the Clark’s holdings of sculpture, and includes highlights like a pair of bronze sculptures of rearing horses by Fernandino Tacca.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 16 July 2026

Definition of holding

Verb

Anthropic has reported banning accounts and tightening filters after detecting attempts to use Claude for phishing emails, malicious code and safeguard bypasses.

— Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Instead of tightening a leash or pushing on a dog’s back to force them to do a trick, pooches are commonly rewarded with treats, toys or positive affirmations.

— Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Definition of tighten

Noun

The most fascinating quarter-final tie for me, given that Switzerland denied us an all-South American affair between Argentina and Colombia.

— Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 11 July 2026
González has witnessed the ties between Mexico and its emigrants abroad evolve over four decades, starting as a young consular officer in the administration of Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari.

— Alfredo Corchado, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

Definition of tie

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holdbacks

hold down

hold-down

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Style

“Hold down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20down. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hold down

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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