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

But having fewer competitors can also mean there’s less pressure to improve quality or hold down prices. — Seth Ashley, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026 When a big customer pays its full share, the cost of running the grid is spread across more users, and that can help hold down everyone’s rates. — Mark McNees, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 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 debate about how to control AI and limit its potential for damage is healthy and necessary.

— David Miliband, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
And limiting the ongoing growth in average EV battery capacity—driven by preferences for longer range and larger vehicles—could reduce demand by another 23 percent compared to the current trend.

— Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 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

Federal law restricts systematic voter roll removals within 90 days of a federal election.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026
The government also restricted fuel sales in portable containers but allowed motorists to fill their vehicles as usual, according to a Commerce Ministry statement reported by L’Express.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of restrict

Verb

Expect more substitution too, especially if canned supplies tighten late in the season.

— Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
The tightening pressure gradient between these systems will produce a prolonged period of northeast winds, pushing water toward the beaches and into the back bays.

— Grant Gilmore, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of tighten

Noun

That may be an exaggeration, given Brazil’s clout and heft, and also its extensive ties with China, its biggest trade partner.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026
Predominantly Muslim Malaysia is a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause and has no diplomatic or direct economic ties with Israel.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of tie

Noun

The affidavit said some of Uhls fraudulent investment deals were discussed via text in a group chat made up of blue collar workers.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
The campaign video shows the gray denim worn as a matching set, alongside a black varsity jacket with cream sleeves and a black rugby top with a white collar.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of collar

Browse Nearby Words

holdbacks

hold down

hold-down

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Hold down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20down. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hold down

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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