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
With a competitive car and two drivers firing on all cylinders, Mercedes is in contention to hold on to second in the constructors’ championship with three races and a sprint race to go.
—
Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
The Red Sox held on to him, which paid off when Rafaela started seeing more infield opportunities thanks to injuries.
—Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
However, Vaseline takes it a step further by leaving a subtly slick cast, which gives the perfume something to hold on to.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2025
She is being held on a $1 million bond.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
The Red Sox held on to him, which paid off when Rafaela started seeing more infield opportunities thanks to injuries.
—Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
However, Vaseline takes it a step further by leaving a subtly slick cast, which gives the perfume something to hold on to.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2025
She is being held on a $1 million bond.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
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For many young women, the stiletto’s discomfort is part of the appeal, offering proof that effort and glamor remain in an age of casual sneakers.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
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The quarterback situation remained dire.—
Ira Gorawara,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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No more having to wait for the preheat temperature or worrying about forgetting to set it.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
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In extremely dense fog, drivers are advised to turn on their hazard lights, pull over into a safe place, and if that’s on the side of the road or hard shoulder—turn off all lights except the hazards, engage the hand brake, and wait until the fog lifts.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Deputy Jaramillo’s legacy of integrity, compassion, and courage will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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After making 10 of its 15 three-point attempts in the first quarter, the Heat then missed 15 of its next 16 threes a stretch that continued well into the fourth quarter.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Fearing a spike in anti-Japanese sentiment ahead of the parade, the Japanese embassy in Beijing warned its citizens to stay cautious and avoid speaking Japanese loudly in public – perhaps mindful that in recent years, there has been a spate of violent attacks against Japanese nationals in China.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
12 Nov. 2025
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Richards, along with two fellow runners (played by Katy O’Brian and Please Don’t Destroy’s Martin Herlihy), must avoid the surveillance state’s ever-watchful eyes, stay hidden, keep on the move.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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So, while some short-term effects may not last, disease prevention remains important even after some of these effects fade.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
6 Nov. 2025
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That situation will last a few years, until Queen Creek can start transporting new groundwater from its land holdings in the Harquahala basin, where private equity firms are also buying up land, which will replace its Colorado River water.—
Austin Corona,
AZCentral.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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