1
as in ruling
a decision made by a court or tribunal regarding a case it has heard
the court's holding was based on an interpretation of the First Amendment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in possession
usually holdings plural
transportable items that one owns
the museum's holdings of ancient manuscripts are among the rarest in the world
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in clutching
to have or keep in one's hands
this casserole dish is too hot to hold, so grab a potholder
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in keeping
to continue to have in one's possession or power
she, and she alone, held the keys to the mysterious chest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in thinking
to have as an opinion
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in containing
to have within
the mysterious chest held an ancient book on magic spells and potions
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in having
to keep in one's mind or heart
still held her close to his heart, though they had long parted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in owning
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
the same family has held this piece of land for over 100 years
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in accommodating
to make or have room for
the couple needed to rent a hall that would hold 300 people
Synonyms & Similar Words
8
as in grasping
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms
please hold my arm on these slippery stairs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in considering
to think of in a particular way
held to be the best blueberry pies in the state
Synonyms & Similar Words
10
as in controlling
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
we managed to hold our laughter until we got outside hold your temper until you hear the whole story
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
11
as in aiming
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal
held the camera on the actor throughout the scene
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of holding
Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026
Last year, the shadows of the Hollywood wildfires loomed large over the various proceedings, which led to several hosts awkwardly attempting to justify holding awards shows in a city still ravaged by a natural disaster.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 12 Jan. 2026
Glassman reminded the commission that Fort Lauderdale has been holding charrettes and workshops for the past five years searching for ways to restore the historic Himmarshee Village to its former glory days.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holding
Noun
Another debate pushed by Democrats is language that would prevent politicians, including the President, from profiting off of crypto holdings or interest.
—Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026
Last year, the shadows of the Hollywood wildfires loomed large over the various proceedings, which led to several hosts awkwardly attempting to justify holding awards shows in a city still ravaged by a natural disaster.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
Mamdani prefaced, holding court at Samson Stages alongside speaker of the New York City Council Julie Menin and referencing his time as a former production assistant himself.
—Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 12 Jan. 2026
Glassman reminded the commission that Fort Lauderdale has been holding charrettes and workshops for the past five years searching for ways to restore the historic Himmarshee Village to its former glory days.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding
Noun
-
Policinski referenced legislation and court rulings that highlight the clashing priorities that can exist between the government and the press.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Justice Sonia Sotomayor offered sharp commentary on Tuesday about the Supreme Court‘s recent rulings, claiming the high court has adopted several past dissenting opinions as new rulings.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Zubimendi won possession 12 times during that match — the most by any Arsenal player in a game this season.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Troopers also seized an unregistered gun and ammunition from Cook, who is charged with trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Dejected and weary, clutching a bag of bread, Pedro walked with a fist pressed to his mouth.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Reminders of the Golden Knights’ 2023 Stanley Cup are everywhere, like in the giant photo of William Karlsson clutching the Cup above the entrance to the practice facility in Summerlin.—
Jonas Siegel,
New York Times,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Saldaña has reason to feel good about keeping her box office crown, too.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Jan. 2026
-
If Payton’s keeping receipts, Superman is about to enter a no-fly zone.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The makeup of the roster and the team's second-highest preseason ranking in Wieber's seven seasons has her thinking the group could create a special season.—
Tom Murphy,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
-
As oblivion approached, with all its attendant possibilities of panic or bitterness, Bowie summoned the generosity to evoke the ordeal of one prematurely dying man while also thinking and creating at the no less vast scale of life itself.—
Armin Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Each envelope containing the clue was inside a box filled with some frightful creature — rats, snakes, a tarantula, millipedes, and cockroaches.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Jan. 2026
-
The pants washed back out to sea; however, his wallet, containing his ID, was given to the police.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The seemingly benign question, however, has already revealed itself as a flashpoint and the latest sign of the commission having its authority challenged.—
Daniel Libit,
Sportico.com,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Illinois’ balance of talent — in particular the combination of Wagler, Ivišić and Boswell — proved too much in the end for Northwestern, which has struggled despite having Martinelli return for his senior season.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Chieng appealed to the scientist in Dubner while absolutely owning the pop scientist, and that’s a gorgeous move for an interviewer.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Dane, of Sanford, sold his car last year because of the high costs associated with owning a vehicle and has since relied on public transportation.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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