Synonyms of hold
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as in to grip 
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as in to keep
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as in to think
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as in to contain
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as in to have
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as in to retain
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as in to accommodate
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as in to grasp
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as in to consider
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as in to regulate
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as in to aim
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as in grip
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as in stronghold
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as in sway
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as in contact
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as in jail
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as in understanding
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as in imprisonment
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1
as in to grip
to have or keep in one's hands
this casserole dish is too hot to hold, so grab a potholder
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2
as in to keep
to continue to have in one's possession or power
she, and she alone, held the keys to the mysterious chest
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3
as in to think
to have as an opinion
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal"
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5
as in to have
to keep in one's mind or heart
still held her close to his heart, though they had long parted
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6
as in to retain
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
the same family has held this piece of land for over 100 years
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as in to grasp
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms
please hold my arm on these slippery stairs
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as in to regulate
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
we managed to hold our laughter until we got outside hold your temper until you hear the whole story
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11
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal
held the camera on the actor throughout the scene
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1
as in grip
the act or manner of holding
make sure you have a firm hold on the chain saw before you turn it on
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2
as in stronghold
a structure or place from which one can resist attack
the ruins of an ancient Roman hold
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3
as in sway
the right or means to command or control others
the government has no hold over where we live and work
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4
as in contact
the state or fact of being able to exchange information regarding one's current situation
I worry that I won't be able to get hold of you in an emergency
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5
as in jail
a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody
upon hearing the guilty verdict, the accused realized that he would lie in that godforsaken hold for the remainder of his life
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6
as in understanding
the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something
I need to get hold of the situation before planning a course of action
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7
as in imprisonment
the state of being held in lawful custody
a suspected terrorist who was abducted at an airport and put in hold at an undisclosed location
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hold
Hanna Park, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
Should projections hold, the new release will land one of the lower openings of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 3 May 2025
Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Cohen said these firings have put studies on hold and have greatly reduced the capacity of the federal government to review research.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold
Verb
All four fled when uniformed officers arrived, and the 18-year-old was seen holding a handgun, the chief said.
—Hanna Park, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
Should projections hold, the new release will land one of the lower openings of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 3 May 2025
Noun
Hydro Grip Gel Tint by Milk Makeup: For those who love a lightweight tint for summer, this long wear gel version offers light to medium coverage with hold (for up to 8-12 hours) and hydration.
—Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Cohen said these firings have put studies on hold and have greatly reduced the capacity of the federal government to review research.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold
Verb
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These angular hooks are especially useful for gripping onto bathroom towels or kitchen rags.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
8 May 2025
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For Chris Brancato, co-creator and showrunner for Godfather of Harlem, if there is a show that can hold a mirror to some of the volatile issues gripping America today, the MGM+ series — now in its fourth season — just may be the one.—
Demetrius Patterson,
HollywoodReporter,
5 May 2025
Verb
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Read more from The Hill’s Brett Samuels. — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains.—
Rachel Frazin,
The Hill,
10 May 2025
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Pet Mode: Creates a consistent indoor temperature to keep pets comfortable when the space is unoccupied.—
Jon Stojan,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
Verb
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However, the Motor City isn't the hub that many thought would be added to TGL.—
Troy Finnegan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
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Deborah is thinking of Ava but can’t bring herself to say it.—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
9 May 2025
Verb
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May contain slightly more flavonoids compared to green tea.—
Julie Marks,
Verywell Health,
14 May 2025
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The same trick works for any food that contains digestible starch, including white pasta and potatoes.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
14 May 2025
Verb
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The southeast counties of Miami-Dade and Broward had the highest number of outages at over 3,000, according to the tracking website.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
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The left edge is devoid of buttons, while the top has a couple of microphone holes.—
Iyaz Akhtar,
PC Magazine,
13 May 2025
Verb
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All is classified as Extra Virgin, meaning a relatively low temperature was used during production to retain aromas.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
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While the crowds swell in July and August, Cádiz manages to retain its seductive mix of grandeur and grit year-round.—
Christopher Bagley,
Travel + Leisure,
11 May 2025
Verb
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The winery accommodates small groups only and does not permit large vehicles such as limos or party buses.—
Rachel King,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
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These stylish privacy plants for decks accommodate all gardening styles, working equally well in containers and garden beds.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
Verb
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Likewise, most users probably won't grasp the details of the information displayed on the Device Security page.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
14 May 2025
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Most adjust accordingly, but some never fully grasp the difference.—
Rick Mauch,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
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