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

Striving for perfection at the early stages of building a business can slow down growth, which in turn limits the ability to employ others and help the economy to prosper.

— Deann Evans, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
That’s partly thanks to US technology controls that limit Chinese companies’ access to advanced AI processors — essential for training increasingly complex AI models.

— John Liu, CNN Money, 14 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

Strong spending is a sign that interest rates at current levels aren't necessarily restricting the economy and cooling inflation.

— DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFFFROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
And, in New York City, the nation’s largest school district recently rolled out a new policy restricting screen time for elementary and middle school students, along with the use of artificial intelligence.

— Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of restrict

Noun

Foreign owners are restricted from holding broadcast licenses, so the FCC had a role in the regulatory review of the transaction because of Paramount’s holding of CBS stations.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026
Most of the money is from dormant accounts in financial institutions, insurance and utility companies, and securities and trust holdings, according to the Florida Department of Financial Services.

— Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of holding

Verb

While saying investors shouldn't abandon the market altogether, Cramer stressed the universe of stocks that can work in a tightening cycle is shrinking.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
The Houthis’ tightening grip over shipping in the Red Sea has fueled fears that the main escape valves for the region’s oil are slamming shut, as Iran and the US continue battling for control of the Strait of Hormuz.

— Eyad Kourdi, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of tighten

Noun

The proposal came as Brussels and Ottawa seek to deepen ties, signaling a significant shift in the EU, which had been lukewarm to Germany's proposal in May for granting an associate membership to Ukraine.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
Moments like this are really what Housewives is supposed to be about — a genuine sisterhood with deep ties that take precedence over superfluous conflicts.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of tie

Noun

Amodei once made waves by saying AI could replace 50% of white collar jobs, but more recently has called AI a multiplier of jobs.

— Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
Levy says, adding that his robe doesn't have any flair like his mother's famous lace collar trim.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of collar

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hold down

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“Hold down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20down. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of hold down

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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