HOLD UP Synonyms: 252 Similar and Opposite Words

hold up 1 of 2

verb

Definition of hold up next

as in to postpone

to assign to a later time held up mail delivery until we had a permanent address

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Relevance

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as in to stop

to bring (something) to a standstill traffic was held up for miles by the accident

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as in to hamper

to create difficulty for the work or activity of if lack of transportation is the only thing holding you up, I can give you a ride

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as in to survive

to continue to operate or to meet one's needs the air conditioner held up this year, but it's not going to make it through another summer

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as in to remain

to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state the storm's hurricane-force winds did not hold up once it hit the coast

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as in to fly

to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval an argument that won't hold up in court

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holdup

2 of 2

noun

ˈhōld-ˌəp

as in delay

an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business a holdup in construction due to the weather

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Examples of hold up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

While the band might not be playing live much these days—or perhaps ever again, depending on how singer Ozzy Osbourne’s health holds up—their music still has an audience. —

Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 In addition to snaps of the singer pouring out a glass and then holding up said glass to the sky to capture the end of a perfect rainbow, there’s also a short video of Jay doing some ocean stogie smoking. —

Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 6 Sep. 2024

Noun

Netanyahu is expected to use the speech Wednesday to demand more aid and more weapons, without delay or holdups. —

Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2024 This year, glitches and holdups with the form kept many vulnerable people from getting across the finish line. —

Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 1 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for hold up

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hold up.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.