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
Both were held on $100,000 bond and scheduled for preliminary hearing next Tuesday.
—
Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
Courtesy Renea Jenkins Each parent was initially held on a $1.5 million bond before it was reduced to $150,000.
—Curtis Bunn, NBC news, 19 June 2025
The videos show Lander holding on to the man as officers struggled and ultimately moved in to arrest him.
—Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 17 June 2025
Chicago held on for a topsy-turvy DreamBreaker win over Utah, who nonetheless had a successful weekend.
—Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
Courtesy Renea Jenkins Each parent was initially held on a $1.5 million bond before it was reduced to $150,000.
—Curtis Bunn, NBC news, 19 June 2025
The videos show Lander holding on to the man as officers struggled and ultimately moved in to arrest him.
—Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 17 June 2025
Chicago held on for a topsy-turvy DreamBreaker win over Utah, who nonetheless had a successful weekend.
—Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
-
But for most organizations, that mirror has remained foggy.—
Richard Lebovitz,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
-
On Wednesday, more than 130 million Americans from Louisiana to Massachusetts remain under heat alerts.—
Kyle David,
ABC News,
25 June 2025
Verb
-
Then the split companies’ leadership will have to wait another year before doing any deals, to minimize tax impacts.—
David Bloom,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
-
Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 June 2025
Verb
-
As the co-chairman continues to push the need to channel that inner 10-year-old, the episode switches to home movie footage of the players as kids, interspersed with match action from the game against Charlton.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
-
Our hope is that New Yorkers will continue to keep this dynamic city the capital of capitalism.—
Time,
Time,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
Enzo Maresca insists the best plan is for Josh Acheampong to stay at Chelsea next season despite reports linking him with a move away from Stamford Bridge in this transfer window.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
Subscribe to the free Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter, join our Chicagoland history Facebook group, stay current with Today in Chicago History and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicago’s past.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
The war that began on June 13 with Israeli attacks against Iranian nuclear sites lasted for 12 days.—
Jane Arraf,
NPR,
29 June 2025
-
Sunday's flight lasted about 10 minutes and 33 seconds, allowing the civilian crew a chance to unbuckle from their seats and briefly experience weightlessness in the capsule.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share