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

When the button is held down, a section of the bracelet pops open to reveal the time. — Carol Besler, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2026 The Dodgers traded for an entirely new catching duo, Hunter Feduccia and Ben Rortvedt, who held down the position until Smith’s return. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 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

The deals promise artists a choice and a cut, but payout terms are undisclosed and label contracts may limit that choice.

— Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
Combs’ efforts to shorten his time behind bars have not been limited to prison programs.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 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

Yet one demographic may still have some reason to restrict their doom-scrolling and YouTube watching – pregnant mothers.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2026
Companies that offer proprietary AI models can restrict how people use them and modify safeguards as new risks emerge.

— Peter Hall, Scientific American, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of restrict

Noun

Hegseth's ethics agreement required him to consult with ethics officials over potential conflicts but did not specifically direct him to sell those holdings.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026
The state’s lease on the property ended in 2023 after talks broke down and the land had been eyed by its owner, the Neel family, along with other land holdings for potential redevelopment into commercial and industrial uses.

— J. Scott Trubey, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of holding

Verb

An international mission in March documented escalating police violence, smear campaigns fueled by public officials, persistent impunity, legal and digital threats and the ruling party's efforts to tighten its grip over the media, CPJ said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
For medi-spa devotees, dermal fillers and skin-tightening treatments are available, too.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of tighten

Noun

The four experts each have ties to academia, tech behemoths like Google and X, and the Obama and Biden administrations.

— Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026
The memo also raised concerns about ties between board members and CMS contractors, political involvement of CMS representatives and the motives behind the board’s investigation of Hill.

— Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of tie

Browse Nearby Words

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hold down

hold-down

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Cite this Entry

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“Hold down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20down. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of hold down

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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