hold down 1 of 2

Definition of hold downnext
as in to limit
to set bounds or an upper limit for efforts to hold down taxes keep running up against the legislature's ingrained unwillingness to cut spending

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hold-down

2 of 2

noun

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 down
Verb
That left Martin and their teenage daughter Josie (Chloe East) to hold down the fort in her absence, while colleagues and board members were given only a vague explanation regarding her sudden hiatus. Guy Lodge, Variety, 16 Feb. 2026 Speaking of the bullpen, Pete Fairbanks, Anthony Bender, Tyler Phillips and Calvin Faucher will presumably hold down four high-leverage roles. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
Then, 12 hold-down bolts fired and freed the Delta IV Heavy for its climb into space with a top-secret payload for the US government's spy satellite agency. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 9 Apr. 2024 If the hold-down clamp is not tightened properly, the battery could move, allowing the positive terminal to contact the clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire, the company said. CBS News, 1 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for hold down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold down
Verb
  • At the time, several regional experts told me that top security and political figures inside the Iraqi Shiite militias and the Houthis were limiting their use of technology, using burner phones and spending minimal time online to prevent Israel from tracking them.
    Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2026
  • That mismatch has long limited how efficiently engineers can combine their output.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • When force is applied in the driving direction, torque tightens or loosens a fastener.
    Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The bodyguard choker is a stylish accessory made of faux leather featuring the lady Bey charm and adjustable buckle fastener for a personalized fit.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Some of the ideas to improve the Elmhurst neighborhood intersection include restricting parking, creating continuous bike lanes and eliminating the signal phase for Gerber Avenue, which also is a part of the complicated intersection.
    Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026
  • According to a recent report by Indian newspaper Mint, major carriers have suspended or restricted transit via Red Sea–Suez Canal, which has led to an increase in transit times by 10–20 days and 40%–50% higher freight rates on key India–Europe routes.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Schmidt is worth about $52 billion, largely through his stock holding in Google’s parent company, Alphabet, according to Bloomberg.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • That reality is leading many investors to look beyond traditional gold holdings and explore alternatives that can offer similar diversification benefits to gold — without relying solely on the metal itself.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Set in 1970s America, as television tightens its grip on American culture, veteran anchorman Howard Beale unravels live on air.
    Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026
  • These stronger winds are a sign of a tightening pressure gradient, which occurs as air pressure changes across the region.
    Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Azerbaijan in recent years has developed ties with Israel and the United States, with Iran's influence in the South Caucasus region diminishing.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Both Burkle and Anderson have ties to Sacramento.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Separable parts include a heat sleeve, lid, collar, tab, straw, and cup.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The PetCam attaches to your pet's collar and works like an action camera, streaming 1080p video from its perspective to your phone.
    Angela Moscaritolo, PC Magazine, 7 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hold down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20down. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster