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
Christopher Lloyd, a longtime truck driver in Richmond, Virginia, is trying to hold on.
—
Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
The Detroit Tigers scored four times in the eighth inning off relievers Jeremiah Estrada and Wandy Peralta and held on for a 5-2 victory.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
But the Illini held on for the win.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
He is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond, according to the jail’s inmate listing.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
The Detroit Tigers scored four times in the eighth inning off relievers Jeremiah Estrada and Wandy Peralta and held on for a 5-2 victory.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
But the Illini held on for the win.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
He is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond, according to the jail’s inmate listing.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
-
The Thunder entered the night two games ahead of San Antonio in the race for homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs with six games remaining.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Even as prices rise, demand remains steady and drivers continue to feel the strain.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Colorado Hospital Association — which opposes the bill — says state laws require all hospitals to screen patients for discounted care, wait six months before garnishing wages, and provide 30 days' notice.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
With the March 31 deadline approaching, experts warn that waiting too long can leave Medicare users paying more—and with fewer options—until the next enrollment period begins in October.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The United States and Israel continue to strike Iran, whose retaliatory attacks have targeted Israel and neighboring Gulf Arab states.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Work on East Weatherford Street is scheduled to begin March 30, and continue through May 8.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Come for the jazz—from Grammy Award-winning bassists to young powerhouse vocalists—but stay for the chic atmosphere.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
While Miami has stayed just below the $4 mark, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton/West Palm Beach County have broken the barrier.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The mission, expected to last about 10 days, is a critical demonstration that NASA's Orion crew capsule can handle a lunar mission with humans aboard before a landing is attempted as early as 2028.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The family estimates the attack lasted between eight and 10 minutes.—
Tori Mason,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
