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
Relevance
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
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 on
The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
—
Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2026
The Royals held on to a slim lead.
—Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2026
Surviving the moments Kornet had to spend on the bench proved a big factor in the Spurs’ being able to hold on for the victory.
—Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Apr. 2026
He was held on an additional $35,000 bond.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2026
The Royals held on to a slim lead.
—Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2026
Surviving the moments Kornet had to spend on the bench proved a big factor in the Spurs’ being able to hold on for the victory.
—Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Apr. 2026
He was held on an additional $35,000 bond.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
-
Here's a breakdown of the 10 best remaining fits for Denver at their late-second-round slot Friday.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The woman used her hand to shield herself as Peavey continued to strike her with the remaining part of the brick before walking away.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After Monday night’s Game 4 victory, there was no bravado, no declarations and no viral sound bites waiting to be misinterpreted.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The club wanted to offer the 37-year-old Polish striker reduced terms with a secondary role while Lewandowski was waiting to see what the club’s sporting directors would offer him.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When the Dodgers public address announcer read the Cubs starting lineup, Dodgers fans vehemently booed Crow-Armstrong, a trend that continued before each at-bat and again Saturday when he was announced pregame.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Trump told Americans on Thursday to expect higher prices as the war continues.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Ruff changed goalies, made a few lineup tweaks and otherwise stayed calm.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
People stayed locked in bathroom stalls.—
Andrea Castillo,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Its few lasting effects are impersonal and clichéd.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for 3 days for each person in your home.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
