as in keeping up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in postponing
to assign to a later time
held up mail delivery until we had a permanent address
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stopping
to bring (something) to a standstill
traffic was held up for miles by the accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in impeding
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
if lack of transportation is the only thing holding you up, I can give you a ride
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in surviving
to continue to operate or to meet one's needs
the air conditioner held up this year, but it's not going to make it through another summer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in remaining
to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state
the storm's hurricane-force winds did not hold up once it hit the coast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in flying
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
an argument that won't hold up in court
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding up
Verb
-
The intense online scrutiny and chaos after postponing its election has left Romania reeling.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN,
15 Mar. 2025 -
Consider postponing important launches to a later date and instead use the time to revise existing projects.—
Danijela Pilic,
Glamour,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
It can also be caused by significant stress, surgery, or stopping birth control pills.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
8 Jan. 2025
-
What’s stopping organizations from reaping the benefits of AI right now?—
Jesse Todd,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The slow development of hydrogen fueling infrastructure remains a critical challenge, impeding widespread adoption.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Mehta highlighted how business units stow data, impeding cross-functional collaboration.—
Christer Holloman,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
But within a week, those very same survivors decide to return, preferring their odds in a series of death matches to their odds of surviving at home.—
Josh Wigler,
The Hollywood Reporter,
23 Dec. 2024
-
The track is based on a piano demo John Lennon recorded in 1977, and which Yoko Ono gave to the surviving members of the band in 1994.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
In January, Forbes named legendary television producer Dick Wolf a billionaire, as his Law & Order, Chicago and FBI shows serve as some of the last remaining pillars holding up the broadcast TV schedule.—
Matt Craig,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
-
Twelve of the 14 playoff spots are decided, and the Broncos and Buccaneers can clinch the two remaining spots with wins.—
Josh Kendall,
The Athletic,
31 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
But halting her work now would mean skipping a final assessment for at least 20 people, to check their viral load and determine their next course of treatment.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2025
-
But halting her work now would mean skipping a final assessment for at least 20 people, to check their viral load and determine their next course of treatment.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Our customers are drawn to pieces that hold lasting value and significance.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
14 Apr. 2025
-
With an ambitious goal to become the second largest in the coming years, TMN is focusing on delivering high-quality content, strategic expansion, and creating lasting partnerships that fuel its growth.—
Ethan Stone,
USA Today,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Peter Singer, Professor of Bioethics, Author, and Philosopher The biggest reason to be optimistic about 2025 is the continuing decline in extreme poverty, defined as not being able to reliably meet your basic needs for food and shelter.—
George Monastiriakos,
Newsweek,
31 Dec. 2024
-
Jared Goff once again looked dialed in, spreading the wealth and continuing to operate this offense at a high level.—
Colton Pouncy,
The Athletic,
31 Dec. 2024
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.
Cite this Entry
“Holding up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20up. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share