as in surviving
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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Recent Examples of holding out
With no clear frontrunner for most of this campaign for California governor, some voters have been holding out and putting their ballots on hold.
—
Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 1 June 2026
The exec is holding out hope for the format continuing to have a life at the network with original programming.
—Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
The lack of medical options has worried a lot of infectious disease experts — but some are holding out hope.
—Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 20 May 2026
In Kansas City, where some 90% of respondents to the American Hotel & Lodging Association survey reported bookings below expectations, tourism officials are still holding out for a record-breaking number of visitors.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
Meanwhile, the Guthries are prayerfully holding out hope for answers amid their grief.
—Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Another found a pilot holding out an iPad as passengers deplaned trying to squeeze out a few last pennies by asking for tips.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 4 May 2026
And that’s better than holding out for the dream job and not working at all, like so many Gen Zers are.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 3 May 2026
Community support and a potential lifeline The Myerses are still holding out hope that their carrier will cover the procedure, but in the meantime, a group of friends launched a GoFundMe page to try to raise $50,000 to help pay for the procedure in cash.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 1 June 2026
The exec is holding out hope for the format continuing to have a life at the network with original programming.
—Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
The lack of medical options has worried a lot of infectious disease experts — but some are holding out hope.
—Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 20 May 2026
In Kansas City, where some 90% of respondents to the American Hotel & Lodging Association survey reported bookings below expectations, tourism officials are still holding out for a record-breaking number of visitors.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
Meanwhile, the Guthries are prayerfully holding out hope for answers amid their grief.
—Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Another found a pilot holding out an iPad as passengers deplaned trying to squeeze out a few last pennies by asking for tips.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 4 May 2026
And that’s better than holding out for the dream job and not working at all, like so many Gen Zers are.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 3 May 2026
Community support and a potential lifeline The Myerses are still holding out hope that their carrier will cover the procedure, but in the meantime, a group of friends launched a GoFundMe page to try to raise $50,000 to help pay for the procedure in cash.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding out
Verb
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The two surviving chicks were later named Sunny and Gizmo after 54,000 names were submitted by fans.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
4 June 2026
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This class focuses on how to understand nature and develop skills from surviving in ancient times to future sustainability practices.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 2026
Verb
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But the lessons Joe Negri taught countless children on television and students in his classroom will leave a lasting imprint of a legendary career and a legacy that will never be forgotten.—
Kristine Sorensen,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
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Filipino Forces exists to spotlight the next generation of Filipino leadership, foster meaningful relationships, and create a lasting platform for representation, pride, and cultural amplification.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
30 May 2026
Verb
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Olson went 2-for-4 in a game in which the Braves (41-20) lost leads of 2-0 and 3-2 before prevailing.—
Chad Bishop,
AJC.com,
3 June 2026
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Not long after the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, Quaker reformers alongside Benjamin Franklin made a bold decision to overhaul the prevailing system of punishment.—
Ana Zamora,
Time,
3 June 2026
Verb
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As summer approaches, keeping up with every emerging trend can feel like a full-time job.—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
24 May 2026
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Three-quarters say incomes aren't keeping up with inflation.—
Anthony Salvanto,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
Verb
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Investors will be looking for confirmation that production of its newest chips is on schedule and that long-term customer contracts are holding up, as well as whether increasing capacity from Samsung and SK Hynix starts to threaten the tight supply that has powered Micron's rally.—
Alicia Park,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
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The long view The expectation of a lower enrollment trend holding up is one of the key factors likely to translate into higher cost estimates as insurers draw up 2027 rates.—
Julie Appleby,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20out. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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