holds 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of hold
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as in contains
to have within the mysterious chest held an ancient book on magic spells and potions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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holds

2 of 2

noun

plural of hold
1
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

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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
The multi-purpose stadium, home to NFL’s Chicago Bears and MLS’ Chicago Fire, holds 62,500 fans. James Pearce, New York Times, 20 July 2026 But extreme rainfall is becoming more common as planet-warming pollution pushes temperatures higher because warmer air holds more moisture. Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 Under the Geneva Conventions, the Red Cross holds a unique responsibility to counsel states about avoiding war crimes. David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 This finding holds across political parties, income levels, and educational backgrounds. Rajiv Vinnakota, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 Botswana holds the remaining 15% of the world’s largest diamond miner alongside pre-emptive rights, giving Gaborone the full power to match the offer, buy the stake independently, or join forces with a third party. Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 20 July 2026 Goldin is the only player who holds a qualifying offer from Miami. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026 In the portrait, Rousteing holds Rabanne’s iconic chainmail in one hand, with silver metal mesh, as well as a pen and notebook on the table in front of him. Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 14 July 2026 The union also holds the right to review the books, but there are not expected to be any big tweaks to the number. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 13 July 2026
Noun
Wilson’s edition accounts for 90% of print holds and 57% of ebook and audiobook holds in the NYPL system, which is one of the largest in the country. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 17 July 2026 As long as $120 holds, the pattern of higher lows stays intact. Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 16 July 2026 More than 800 existing holds for Chromebooks and hotspots will be canceled when the program officially concludes later this month. Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 12 July 2026 Anyone who was penalized for not paying their taxes or for filing late tax returns during the disaster declaration period plus 60 days may be eligible for potential refunds or abatements if the judge’s ruling holds. Connor Greene, Time, 8 July 2026 Each class features Primary Posture and a combination of dynamic stretching, isometric movements (like holds and pulses), and cardio bursts. Hannah Harper, Health, 1 July 2026 Google is marketing its AI products directly into the window where an immunity from AI overviews in search holds, which suggests the company could see more value in being seen helping with this World Cup than in fully automating it away just yet. Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Over a decade, more than 1,000 people have died across the country after police subdued them through means not intended to be lethal, such as physical holds, Tasers and body blows, an investigation led by The Associated Press found. Hannah Fingerhut, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 Over a decade, more than 1,000 people have died across the country after police subdued them through means not intended to be lethal, such as physical holds, Tasers and body blows, an investigation led by The Associated Press found. ABC News, 25 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds
Verb
  • Your makeup will only look as good as your base, and the hydrating formula leaves a beautiful, glowy canvas that grips onto foundation and prevents makeup from settling into fine lines.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 8 July 2026
  • This Laura Geller hydrating primer creates a silky-smooth canvas that grips your foundation for all-day wear.
    Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • The extradition process requires a hearing before a US judge to determine whether the treaty’s requirements are met, but the final decision is made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who retains discretion to deny extradition.
    Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Short of a political upheaval, which is unlikely as long as Putin remains in office, Russia retains sovereignty on paper while quietly becoming a semi-vassal whose room for maneuver narrows by the year.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • SpaceX thinks Starship's combination of power and reusability will revolutionize spaceflight, allowing humanity to settle the moon and Mars, among other bold exploration feats.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 July 2026
  • Morgentaler, on the other hand, thinks screening even without specific symptoms can provide important insight into a man’s health, and with the right medical oversight, overtreatment can be avoided.
    Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • This article contains graphic descriptions of child murder, suicidal ideation, and an attempt to die by suicide.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Salmon contains omega-3 fats that may offer additional benefits for insulin sensitivity and heart health.
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • The colony also has a population of New Zealand fur seals that laze around the rocks frequented by flocks of seabirds.
    Todd Symons, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • This fight has all the makings of a Fight of the Year candidate.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • In June, Suzanne Scheller, the attorney for Lynch's family, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Presbyterian Homes, which owns Harbor Crossing.
    Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026
  • Set who brings what, who owns what, and when the next step happens.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • The wine’s dark fruit reaches the beef, while its savory edge accommodates the turmeric pickles on the plate.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • One configuration accommodates ten Hellfire, JAGM, or Barracuda-100M missiles.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Real thinking — the kind that understands a question, grasps its context and goes out to gather information before formulating a response.
    Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • His eyes and smile are too wide, and his right hand grasps the air.
    Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

Cite this Entry

“Holds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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