HOLDS Synonyms: 412 Similar and Opposite Words

holds 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of hold

as in grips

to have or keep in one's hands this casserole dish is too hot to hold, so grab a potholder

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in retains

to continue to have in one's possession or power she, and she alone, held the keys to the mysterious chest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in thinks

to have as an opinion "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in contains

to have within the mysterious chest held an ancient book on magic spells and potions

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in has

to keep in one's mind or heart still held her close to his heart, though they had long parted

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in owns

to keep, control, or experience as one's own the same family has held this piece of land for over 100 years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in accommodates

to make or have room for the couple needed to rent a hall that would hold 300 people

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in grasps

to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms please hold my arm on these slippery stairs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in considers

to think of in a particular way held to be the best blueberry pies in the state

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in regulates

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) we managed to hold our laughter until we got outside hold your temper until you hear the whole story

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in aims

to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal held the camera on the actor throughout the scene

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

holds

2 of 2

noun

plural of hold

as in clasps

the act or manner of holding make sure you have a firm hold on the chain saw before you turn it on

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in strongholds

a structure or place from which one can resist attack the ruins of an ancient Roman hold

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in controls

the right or means to command or control others the government has no hold over where we live and work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in jails

a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody upon hearing the guilty verdict, the accused realized that he would lie in that godforsaken hold for the remainder of his life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

outsides

as in understandings

the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something I need to get hold of the situation before planning a course of action

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in imprisonments

the state of being held in lawful custody a suspected terrorist who was abducted at an airport and put in hold at an undisclosed location

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of holds

Verb

Kismet handles local distribution and Cornerstone holds international sales. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 Defense holds players-only meeting On Monday, the defensive players held a players-only meeting to hash out any communication problems or issues with what has affected that side of the ball so far this season. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026 Fox Entertainment Global holds domestic distribution rights to Baywatch and Fremantle manages all international sales. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026 The fire history of Flagg Mountain holds particular significance for a Native American community just a few miles away. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 The Dream played six regular-season games and all three home playoff games this season at the Atlanta Hawks’ State Farm Arena, which holds around 17,000 and will be the Dream’s official home venue starting next season. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 Ditka holds his own among the professional actors, and had a nice touch for comedic timing. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 The bar makes a perfectly balanced drink, and brunch holds its own with plenty of light and rib-sticking options alike (the steak and eggs were my favorite) and strong locally roasted coffee (both pour-over and espresso options). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 So the fact that Zoe Kazan’s East of Eden is his first job since a notable 2024 that included Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers and Jeff Nichols’ The Bikeriders suggests the epic family drama holds particular meaning for him. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

Noun

Range Control imposed safety check-holds across adjacent training sectors to clear the zone and protect surrounding operations. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026 The recommendation matches the Wall Street consensus, where five of seven analysts rate Ambiq Micro a buy or strong buy, with two holds, LSEG data shows. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026 If the demand Gupta describes holds, the atelier could show that an independent house from India — or, perhaps, anywhere in the Global South — can establish a fruitful global presence. — Sujata Assomull, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026 There are holds installed all over a window, leading to moments of awkward eye contact with passersby outside. — Sarah Rose Siskind, Curbed, 28 Sep. 2026 Before moving it to cloud servers, test whether a searchable archive can meet access and retention needs, including legal holds. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026 While the most onerous traffic delays — the 20-minute holds — are largely over, Kionka said, motorists should still expect some impacts for the remainder of the project, including occasional traffic shifts, closures and detours. — Robert Tann, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2026 The duo walks away from this skirmish, though not unscathed, as Samjad quickly and economically sets up a blistering saga of stylish reprisals with no holds barred. — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026 Two more holds for Zverev later, and Shelton hadn’t broken the German’s serve in 63 service games. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds

Verb

The Mercyenforcer grips the handle of his light in his bare hand to look into my other eye.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
New Orleans is facing an unusual weather combination as Tropical Storm Bertha moves along the northern Gulf Coast while dangerous heat grips the region.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Definition of grips

Verb

And yet Tatham thinks there are lessons to be learned from the interactive world, as long as designers focus on real-world play.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Oil prices are just one headwind that Tudor Jones thinks the equity market needs to handle at the moment.

— Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of thinks

Verb

Peanut butter contains vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant in the body, as well as magnesium, which plays a role in muscle and nerve function.

— Trista Chan, HEALTH, 12 Oct. 2026
The center’s laboratory, in the basement of the School of Natural Resources, contains samples that pre-date Christianity and the Egyptian pyramids.

— M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of contains

Verb

The mid-weight denim is rigid, made of 100 percent cotton rigid denim and has a bit of a rustic feel.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
When healthy, Ohtani has the ability to break out of even the most dire of slumps with an otherworldly performance, like that three-homer (as a hitter), 10-strikeout (as a pitcher) all-timer.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of has

Verb

The Upland resident owns Young’s Automotive in Covina, according to the statement, where he is accused of placing the cameras to record unsuspecting victims using the bathroom.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
The design now spans bracelets, earrings, rings, and watches, and is said to rank among the highest performing products in the Richemont group, which owns the maison.

— Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of owns

Verb

This dresser accommodates all your clothing, linens, and more, while the antique brass knobs add a pretty design detail.

— Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2026
The nearly 100-year-old route accommodates all budgets and travel interests, an à la carte menu of nature, food, history and recreation.

— David G. Allan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026