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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4
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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10
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
Tim Lister, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
The Palazzo Tarasconi was built in the 16th century and is known as a cultural hub of fine art, with a variety of exhibitions held there.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Selznick said the necessary approvals were secured before the shutdown for some new products that are rolling out in the first few months of 2019, but new label authorizations were on hold since the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau was closed.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold
Verb
The Palestinian Authority, which governs the occupied West Bank, has not held presidential or parliamentary elections in nearly two decades.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
The Palazzo Tarasconi was built in the 16th century and is known as a cultural hub of fine art, with a variety of exhibitions held there.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
According to jail records reviewed by Fox News Digital, Luebke was wanted in Washington County on a gross misdemeanor charge and in Anoka County on a separate misdemeanor charge, prompting authorities to place him on a multi-county hold.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Selznick said the necessary approvals were secured before the shutdown for some new products that are rolling out in the first few months of 2019, but new label authorizations were on hold since the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau was closed.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold
Verb
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The organization focuses on the big disasters that often grip the headlines, such as wildfires, floods, and hurricanes – but also offers information about preparing for winter storms, tsunamis, tornados, lightning, hail and extreme heat.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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It’s measured by gripping a handheld dynamometer.—
Alexa Mikhail,
Flow Space,
1 Oct. 2025
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In the 2022 and 2024 cycles, pro-Israel groups swung into Democratic primaries, spending money against progressive critics of the Jewish state and keeping several out of Congress.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
7 Oct. 2025
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Cleaning essentials, like this Shark cordless vacuum, this Black + Decker handheld vacuum, and this mop and bucket set will keep your home sparkly clean with minimal effort.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The hairs on the back of the neck still stand up now when thinking of the post-match celebrations after David Seaman’s penalty save dumped out Spain in the quarter-finals.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Because nothing lifts your spirits like discovering somebody on the other side of the world who thinks like you — or, even better, sees things in an entirely different way.—
The Dial,
The Dial,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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McSweeney’s elevation appeared bizarre, but Bailey and his selection team have openly stated their belief that the Test team should contain the best six batters regardless of position.—
Sam Dalling,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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But much like Week 1 against Justin Herbert and the Chargers, the Chiefs’ inability to contain the opposing quarterback in timely spots lost them the football game.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Ford had a challenging first half of 2025 with 88 vehicle recalls with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to NHTSA data, which now surpasses the record set by General Motors of 77 recalls for all of 2014, the Detroit Free Press previously reported.—
Olivia Evans,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
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Ohio has 13 Costco warehouse locations.—
Alex Perry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The leaves start changing in early October in far northern Hokkaido, while in Tokyo and Kyoto, fiery maples and golden gingko can retain their color until late November/early December.—
Kristin Braswell,
AFAR Media,
7 Oct. 2025
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The service up to them has been lacking in quality, but finding a way to retain possession would be helpful.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While relocating the U21s and U18s from the main building was a deliberate choice, space has in any case been taken up by open-plan offices to accommodate non-football staff relocated from Old Trafford — a policy instructed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Another feature that’s worth highlighting is the 129 square-foot sleeping loft that can accommodate a bed, small nightstands, floating shelves, and even a houseplant or two.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Modeled after the proportions of an adult male hand, the DG-5F supports various grip patterns such as pinch, power, and precision grips, enabling it to handle a wide range of tasks, from delicate manipulation to firm grasping.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Oct. 2025
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This time was his time and with Gordon off the pitch, Woltemade grasped it and clung to it.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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