as in limiting
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
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Recent Examples of holding down
Yeah, no one was holding down her legs.
—
Peter Larsen, Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026
In a picture posted to the animal control’s Facebook page, two strips of tape can be seen holding down the top of the bin.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026
But caretaking responsibilities can make holding down a full-time job challenging, especially for people caring for older adults and raising children at the same time.
—Cathy Bussewitz, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
The progressive People's Party, which had been tipped to win the most seats, was holding down second place with 116 seats.
—Grant Peck, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
The Rose Bowl will remain a College Football Playoff quarterfinal for the next two seasons — and likely the four after that — holding down its traditional spot as the afternoon anchor of the New Year’s Day lineup.
—Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Soft demand is holding down revenue at Union Pacific and CSX.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 29 Jan. 2026
Machado has exceeded 150 games played in 10 seasons, while almost always holding down a premium defensive spot (third base or shortstop) and middle-of-the-lineup slot.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025
He's been holding down the fort on NBC and Today for over 45 years, and is undeniably integral to the network after all this time.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025
Peter Larsen, Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026
In a picture posted to the animal control’s Facebook page, two strips of tape can be seen holding down the top of the bin.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026
But caretaking responsibilities can make holding down a full-time job challenging, especially for people caring for older adults and raising children at the same time.
—Cathy Bussewitz, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
The progressive People's Party, which had been tipped to win the most seats, was holding down second place with 116 seats.
—Grant Peck, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
The Rose Bowl will remain a College Football Playoff quarterfinal for the next two seasons — and likely the four after that — holding down its traditional spot as the afternoon anchor of the New Year’s Day lineup.
—Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Soft demand is holding down revenue at Union Pacific and CSX.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 29 Jan. 2026
Machado has exceeded 150 games played in 10 seasons, while almost always holding down a premium defensive spot (third base or shortstop) and middle-of-the-lineup slot.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025
He's been holding down the fort on NBC and Today for over 45 years, and is undeniably integral to the network after all this time.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding down
Verb
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To ease the transition, experts recommend adjusting sleep schedules gradually, limiting caffeine intake, and using light exposure strategically to help the body adapt to the new time.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
5 Mar. 2026
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Many homeowners who locked in ultra-low borrowing costs during the early years of the pandemic have been reluctant to sell and take on significantly higher rates, limiting the number of homes for sale and keeping prices elevated.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Lawmakers recently spent hours arguing over measures to preempt local governments from funding activities that fall under a vague and broad definition of diversity, equality and inclusion, stop them from restricting greenhouse gases, and prevent them from regulating urban sprawl.—
Jeffrey Schweers,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
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Advertisement The future of American democracy depends not on restricting participation but on expanding it—on welcoming more voices, not fewer.—
Celina Stewart,
Time,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20down. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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