as in to survive
to continue to operate or to meet one's needs
we hoped our supply of firewood would hold out until power was restored luckily, the old outboard motor held out till we made it to shore
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hold out
In response to the tariff shifts, many U.S. companies have opted to put hiring and investment plans on hold out of fear that a fresh levy could otherwise spark regret, experts told ABC News.
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Max Zahn, ABC News, 4 June 2025
An ultrasound reportedly showed the fetus stopped breathing 33 weeks into pregnancy, but its parents held out hope.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025
Ultimately, Emily did not end up wearing any of the dresses for prom, but Erinn is holding out for her senior year.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Some renters may also be holding out for better deals in a Hamptons market that has become far more expensive after Covid.
—Robert Frank, CNBC, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold out
Max Zahn, ABC News, 4 June 2025
An ultrasound reportedly showed the fetus stopped breathing 33 weeks into pregnancy, but its parents held out hope.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025
Ultimately, Emily did not end up wearing any of the dresses for prom, but Erinn is holding out for her senior year.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
Some renters may also be holding out for better deals in a Hamptons market that has become far more expensive after Covid.
—Robert Frank, CNBC, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold out
Verb
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Her child survived and, for a short while, reigned as king.—
Erica Stern
June 9,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2025
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The $56 million might even survive the president’s budget.—
Pat Beall,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 June 2025
Verb
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Though school hours in California might range from about 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Olsen said drivers should still be cautious when passing by a school zone because after-school programs can last until 6 p.m.—
Angela Rodriguez,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2025
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Jennifer Wills, President and Chief Growth Officer of Kelleher International, has seen the challenges of HNW CEOs, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists firsthand, dedicating her career to combating loneliness with lasting love.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
Verb
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Set boundaries that range from strict legal compliance that can’t be ignored or changed to issues where common sense prevails.—
Shep Hyken,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
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Cooler heads prevailed on Friday, with Musk and Trump refraining from slinging direct insults at each other.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20out. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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