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
The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
—
Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The race nonetheless comes at a time when Democrats are losing their hold on a coalition that propelled Obama to two terms in the White House.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2025
Hooper reached over Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed for the catch and held on while getting both feed in bounds through contact.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
The Rams held on for the victory only after a UNC touchdown catch that would've won the game for the Bears was controversially overturned by officials after a review.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025
The race nonetheless comes at a time when Democrats are losing their hold on a coalition that propelled Obama to two terms in the White House.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2025
Hooper reached over Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed for the catch and held on while getting both feed in bounds through contact.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
The Rams held on for the victory only after a UNC touchdown catch that would've won the game for the Bears was controversially overturned by officials after a review.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
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Still, the project adds another exclusive tier to a venue already marked by VIP enclaves, raising questions about how much of COTA’s most distinctive real estate will remain truly accessible — and for how long.—
Patrick Iversen,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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But its 60-table card room, tucked into a low-key design, remained.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For context, only the bottom team in League Two, Newport County, among the EFL’s other 48 clubs, are also waiting to taste victory on home soil this time around.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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Yes, the hotel’s team was ready and waiting for me upon my arrival via private transfer from the train station in the nearby town of Rapallo.—
Laura Itzkowitz,
Robb Report,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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He was checked out and deemed fit to continue.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The patient who was being taken to the hospital was placed in another rescue vehicle, which continued the route.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Besides being one of the best ways to stay warm, puffer jackets are also unbelievably packable, much like this Eddie Bauer down jacket that has insulation for chilly days but can be folded or rolled to practically half its size.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Oct. 2025
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In an April 2023 interview with D Magazine, Clayton described Ellen's childhood home as the gathering place for all of their friends and said her parents, Leslie and Jim Melson, would always invite people to stay for supper.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Real healing happens through permanent, supportive relationships, whether through adoption, reunification with family, or lasting connections with caring adults.—
Laura Rivera,
Denver Post,
23 Oct. 2025
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Most Playful Patterns With dual-sided prints and eclectic color combinations (hello chartreuse and maroon), Tortuga Forma’s table linens are carefully crafted in Japan for lasting durability.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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