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
Also, Southern California visits Nebraska with both sides holding on for dear life.
—
Jordan Mendoza, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
Hollywood’s hold on the global box office may be starting to change.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025
Saturday was never an auspicious day for a funeral, and if it was held on Sunday, nine members of the family would die.
—Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
Simpson added a seventh win in a row to his resume, holding on to defeat the South Carolina Gamecocks, 29-22.
—Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Jordan Mendoza, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
Hollywood’s hold on the global box office may be starting to change.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025
Saturday was never an auspicious day for a funeral, and if it was held on Sunday, nine members of the family would die.
—Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
Simpson added a seventh win in a row to his resume, holding on to defeat the South Carolina Gamecocks, 29-22.
—Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
-
For many young women, the stiletto’s discomfort is part of the appeal, offering proof that effort and glamor remain in an age of casual sneakers.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The quarterback situation remained dire.—
Ira Gorawara,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
No more having to wait for the preheat temperature or worrying about forgetting to set it.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
-
In extremely dense fog, drivers are advised to turn on their hazard lights, pull over into a safe place, and if that’s on the side of the road or hard shoulder—turn off all lights except the hazards, engage the hand brake, and wait until the fog lifts.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Deputy Jaramillo’s legacy of integrity, compassion, and courage will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
After making 10 of its 15 three-point attempts in the first quarter, the Heat then missed 15 of its next 16 threes a stretch that continued well into the fourth quarter.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
That’s exactly why Fleetwood Mac stayed together for fifty years.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Companies that help manufacturers adapt, cut costs and stay globally competitive are ensuring that America can still make things efficiently, sustainably and at scale, which is arguably one of the biggest challenges of our time.—
Mike Palank,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
So, while some short-term effects may not last, disease prevention remains important even after some of these effects fade.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
6 Nov. 2025
-
That situation will last a few years, until Queen Creek can start transporting new groundwater from its land holdings in the Harquahala basin, where private equity firms are also buying up land, which will replace its Colorado River water.—
Austin Corona,
AZCentral.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share