1
as in to remain
to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state
the ancient beliefs still held on in remote mountain villages
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to wait
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something
hold on a minute—it's not your turn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hold on
This dish will stay good for up to a month in the fridge, but good luck holding on to a jar for that long without eating all its spoils first.
—
Katherine Polcari, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
After a brief scuffle between the two players, Noel held on to the ball, though Alexander swiped his hand at him in frustration as tensions rose.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
But to hold on to their negotiating leverage, Senate Democrats will likely have to vote against a bill to temporarily extend government funding on Tuesday, just hours before a shutdown — an uncomfortable position for a party that has long denounced shutdowns as pointless and destructive.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
The sheriff’s office said Miller, who is from the Bahamas, is being held on a detainer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
—Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Katherine Polcari, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025
After a brief scuffle between the two players, Noel held on to the ball, though Alexander swiped his hand at him in frustration as tensions rose.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
But to hold on to their negotiating leverage, Senate Democrats will likely have to vote against a bill to temporarily extend government funding on Tuesday, just hours before a shutdown — an uncomfortable position for a party that has long denounced shutdowns as pointless and destructive.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
The sheriff’s office said Miller, who is from the Bahamas, is being held on a detainer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
—Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
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About 20 living hostages remain captive in desperate conditions, Israeli officials say, and about 25 more are believed to have died, but their bodies have not been returned to their families.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
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Slegers stopped short of admitting Arsenal are in the land of asking for favours elsewhere to remain in the title race.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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According to videos, officers waited roughly 20 seconds before detaining people.—
Quinlan Bentley,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Twenty years later, Iraq War veteran Aaron Hughes continues spreading his realization that soldiers can better champion American ideals by following their conscience over orders.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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McNeill said one argument in favor of the EV sector continuing to grow is the vehicles’ increasing utility far beyond transportation.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Speeds feel snappy for streaming and cloud backups, and the price stays reasonable even with extras.—
Jade Chung-Lee,
PC Magazine,
8 Oct. 2025
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Their style of play has stayed similar, but Arteta recognised the need for something different this year.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Short cruises, typically lasting less than a week, are growing in popularity for quick getaways.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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The 22-game run lasted from January 16, 1897, to September 18 later that year and helped the Birmingham club do the double of league title and FA Cup in the spring — something that wouldn’t be achieved again until Tottenham Hotspur replicated it in 1960-61.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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