as in to survive
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 hold out
Some of Trump’s usually loyal supporters have been outraged by the possibility that Team Trump is holding out on them or outright misleading them.
—
Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
The Broncos had several other players entering contract seasons, too, and Allen earned the right to ask for top-of-the-market money.
Allen, like receiver Courtland Sutton, could have opted to hold out and not report to training camp when a deal didn’t materialize in the first three weeks of July.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 2 Aug. 2025
McLaurin held out the first four days of training camp, which carried a $50,000 fine per day.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2025
There was confirmation that Nabers was dealing with a shoulder injury and was held out for the remainder of practice so he could get evaluated further.
—Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold out
Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
The Broncos had several other players entering contract seasons, too, and Allen earned the right to ask for top-of-the-market money.
Allen, like receiver Courtland Sutton, could have opted to hold out and not report to training camp when a deal didn’t materialize in the first three weeks of July.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 2 Aug. 2025
McLaurin held out the first four days of training camp, which carried a $50,000 fine per day.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2025
There was confirmation that Nabers was dealing with a shoulder injury and was held out for the remainder of practice so he could get evaluated further.
—Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold out
Verb
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Under his tenure, the symphony won Grammys, survived a flood and flourished.—
Melonee Hurt,
The Tennessean,
22 Aug. 2025
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To survive the cycle, yes, but also to know where – and who – to invest in, to create the conditions for future growth.—
Eric Mosley,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The meeting, which lasted for nearly three hours, ended without a concrete deal.—
Katya Soldak,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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Its sturdy 900-year-old walls were built with Caen limestone imported from Normandy, France, in a lasting testament to Norman power.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This wasn’t authentic doubles tennis, but quality prevailed in the end as holders Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori beat Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek in a thrilling final on Wednesday night.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
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Consistency prevails — and trust in those who trust in you.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20out. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025.
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