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
Athletes such as Rettenegger are holding out hope for 2030.
—
Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Brendan Morrow Speaking to NBC News, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators are holding out hope that Nancy Guthrie is alive.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
In the meantime, Musto said that PennDOT keeps holding out for sunshine.
—John Shumway, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
But this was largely attributed to buyers holding out for better prices that may yet follow and the overall market remains resilient.
—Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Jones continues holding out hope for a title run.
—Dallas Morning News, 7 Jan. 2026
Despite the lack of answers, Jim and Nancy remained optimistic, holding out hope for their kids' eventual discovery.
—Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026
His career at Florida has centered on building muscle, but some concerns about his health still loom, which played a role in Golden holding out until late Thursday night.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Although China sales haven’t been included in Nvidia’s outlook for some time, many investors were still holding out hope that shipments could restart following some encouraging developments this summer .
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2025
Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Brendan Morrow Speaking to NBC News, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators are holding out hope that Nancy Guthrie is alive.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
In the meantime, Musto said that PennDOT keeps holding out for sunshine.
—John Shumway, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026
But this was largely attributed to buyers holding out for better prices that may yet follow and the overall market remains resilient.
—Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Jones continues holding out hope for a title run.
—Dallas Morning News, 7 Jan. 2026
Despite the lack of answers, Jim and Nancy remained optimistic, holding out hope for their kids' eventual discovery.
—Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026
His career at Florida has centered on building muscle, but some concerns about his health still loom, which played a role in Golden holding out until late Thursday night.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Although China sales haven’t been included in Nvidia’s outlook for some time, many investors were still holding out hope that shipments could restart following some encouraging developments this summer .
—Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding out
Verb
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The surviving group had been communicating with them via emergency beacons and iPhone SOS signals, Moon said.—
Elizabeth Wolfe,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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The surviving group located three of the missing people deceased, and rescuers found another five people deceased.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The expropriations, along with the firings, consolidated state control of the oil sector and, experts say, drained the country of expertise and investment, inflicting lasting damage.—
Mery Mogollón,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
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Gwen was 6 months old when mom Becky Segally had to bring her along during the 2015 refinery strike that ended up lasting 99 days, Becky Segally said.—
Michelle L. Quinn,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Still, the prevailing opinion remains that Willis is ready to be a starter — and get paid handsomely for basically four strong appearances over two seasons.—
Zac Jackson,
New York Times,
17 Feb. 2026
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The source said the latest theory behind the missing 84-year-old’s disappearance is not currently the prevailing view among investigators.—
Michael Ruiz , Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Dipping enrollment and rising labor and operational costs have led to revenue not keeping up with expenses, district office staff have routinely said.—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
15 Feb. 2026
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Texans’ salaries aren’t keeping up with increasing costs.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Water level changes on Catawba basin The broader Catawba River system, Jones said, is still holding up for now.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Feb. 2026
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After the win, Mafe celebrated with a cigar and holding up the Nigerian flag in honor of his heritage.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20out. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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