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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hold out
Julie asks, holding out a phone.
—
Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
Upon arrival, a staffer holds out a tray of tropical popsicles as a first touch of hospitality.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Dietz was held out of Arkansas’ 9-5 opening-game victory over Missouri State Friday, in effect saving him to face host KU.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2026
The fourth-round cornerback made strides last week, as he was not overtly held out from any activities during OTAs.
—Sam Warren, New York Times, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold out
Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
Upon arrival, a staffer holds out a tray of tropical popsicles as a first touch of hospitality.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Dietz was held out of Arkansas’ 9-5 opening-game victory over Missouri State Friday, in effect saving him to face host KU.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2026
The fourth-round cornerback made strides last week, as he was not overtly held out from any activities during OTAs.
—Sam Warren, New York Times, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold out
Verb
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There is also the risk that a micrometeoroid could punch a hole in one of the heat-resistant outer tiles on the Orion spacecraft, NASA's crew capsule for the agency's Artemis moon missions, undermining its ability to survive the intense furnace of reentry, per NASA.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
7 June 2026
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Unlike other fruit trees, yuzu can survive cold temperatures, which adds to its appeal for growing in home gardens.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
7 June 2026
Verb
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The talks, conducted in coordination with the US, lasted into the early hours of this morning, the source said, as the US was striking Iran.—
Arpita Dasika,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
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That unrest lasted several days, but the Police Service of Northern Ireland has urged an immediate cessation of the current disorder and a return to calm.—
Olivia-Anne Cleary,
Time,
10 June 2026
Verb
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The genre is varied, the casts inevitably fine and justice almost always prevails.—
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
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The two teams previously played for the gold medal in 2014, 2016 and 2018, with the Americans prevailing each time.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hold out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20out. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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