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
On Wednesday, McBride did again what she’s been doing, teaming up with senior pitcher Paige Murray in a 6-0 win at crosstown rival St. Charles East that strengthens St. Charles North’s hold on first place in the DuKane Conference.
—
Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
The country music celebration will launch on Wednesday, June 4, with an exclusive gathering held on the rooftop of Category 10, honoring Billboard’s Country Power Players and recognizing the most influential executives shaping and leading the country music genre today.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 15 May 2025
The show held on to the franchise’s core idea that there exists in the universe a constant tension between good and evil.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 14 May 2025
He is being held on a $250,000 bond in the Johnson County Jail in Olathe.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
The country music celebration will launch on Wednesday, June 4, with an exclusive gathering held on the rooftop of Category 10, honoring Billboard’s Country Power Players and recognizing the most influential executives shaping and leading the country music genre today.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 15 May 2025
The show held on to the franchise’s core idea that there exists in the universe a constant tension between good and evil.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 14 May 2025
He is being held on a $250,000 bond in the Johnson County Jail in Olathe.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
-
Women have become relatively better represented in science, but people of color remain glaringly less so.—
Aaron Shattuck,
Scientific American,
20 May 2025
-
The Milky Way galaxy will remain visible throughout the summer and even into early fall, but planning your skywatching around the darker moon phases as far from artificial light as possible is key.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
20 May 2025
Verb
-
Last May, the United Kingdom’s Home Office posted footage that showed immigration officers going door to door and marching migrants into a waiting van.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
16 May 2025
-
The topic likely will remain quiet for 50 weeks until the connections of next year’s Kentucky Derby winner decide to go to Baltimore or wait for New York.—
John Cherwa,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2025
Verb
-
According to a fundraiser created by her sister, Dallas Jimenez, her family continues to seek answers in her disappearance and death.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
-
Until then, the cat and mouse between inmate and BOP will continue.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Verb
-
Americans are living longer, staying healthier, and working in less physically demanding jobs.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
First and foremost this season, Herbert has to stay healthy.—
Daniel Popper,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
Judge Beverly Cannone estimated the trial could last between six and eight weeks.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
-
Or a slightly thicker phone with a beefier battery that could last two days?—
Julian Chokkattu,
Wired News,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share