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
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Recent Examples of hold on
Cooper was held on suspicion of criminal mischief with a domestic violence enhancer.
—
ABC News, 12 June 2026
But Musk has held on to the position since September of last year, during which time his net worth has doubled.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 12 June 2026
The Apple community can hold on to hardware for a long time.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Unlike people living in cities, suburbanites had room to hold on to old things indefinitely.
—Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold on
ABC News, 12 June 2026
But Musk has held on to the position since September of last year, during which time his net worth has doubled.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 12 June 2026
The Apple community can hold on to hardware for a long time.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Unlike people living in cities, suburbanites had room to hold on to old things indefinitely.
—Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
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When the full-scale war started, the three youngest boys were evacuated to a children’s home in Modica, Sicily, where two, who are still minors, remain; the third now lives on his own in Italy, Ivan said.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
12 June 2026
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Shared by Iran's semiofficial Tasnim news agency, the pictures show that the rooves of the facilities have collapsed although the walls remain intact.—
Sarah Dean,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
Verb
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The Padres remain on the fringe of the way-too-early playoff picture while waiting for Jackson Merrill, Xander Bogaerts and Machado to find their footing.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
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My regular waiter, Ryan, always had a glass of orange juice waiting for me at breakfast; my cabin attendant Sabrine kept my fridge stocked with sparkling water; and bartender Dennis always had my cocktail ready to go for me following dinner.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Her adorable photos continued, featuring pictures of Zuma as a baby and smiling selfies with his mom.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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Story continues after photo gallery.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The board during Thursday's meeting also voted to file Friday's emergency appeal to stay that earlier ruling.—
Emma Nicholson,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
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And so, by and large, people – who stayed despite the temporary change in plans – watched the game on their phones.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Verb
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The negotiations, which were conducted in coordination with the United States, lasted into the early hours of this morning, the source said.—
Arpita Dasika,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
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How to get Starbucks' new Bearista Cup Starbucks Rewards Reserve tier members can purchase the new Bearista Cup starting June 11, while supplies last, on the Starbucks Shop.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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