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 prospect of a player who can cover both positions holds significant appeal. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Food and drink Level 0, just off the urban boardwalk connecting Putney and Hammersmith Bridges, holds the Riverside Market Food Hall. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026 The connected tank holds just about enough air to inflate one of the unit's tires from nearly empty, or all four from off-road/air-down to fully aired up. New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026 Shane van Gisbergen holds the 16th and final spot by 50 points over Ryan Preece, who dropped 21 points further below the Chase cutline with a 17th-place finish at Richmond. ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 The receive center takes products from global vendors and holds them until they are needed elsewhere. Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 17 Aug. 2026 Ronaldo has scored almost 1,000 goals and holds the records for international appearances and international goals. Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Chan Gin Kai, founder and CEO of Silver Media Group, said Asia holds some of the richest histories, cultures and mythologies in the world, but many of these stories remain little known outside their home countries. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026 Craig represents the state's Second Congressional District and holds a significant cash advantage in the race. Aki Nace, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
If Apple’s track record holds, that means the iPhone Fold could retain around $300 more in value after 12 months compared to other Android foldables. Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 The diagnosis was the beginning of a run of hospitalizations and mental health holds. Jennifer Mayerle, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 As of late afternoon Friday, there were 10 different holds and objections to the bill being expedited for a vote, with an additional eight holds pertaining to the PCSA on its own. Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 In order to prep for the intensive shoot, the actors spent two weeks treading water, doing breath holds and training with real kayaks. Matt Minton, Variety, 31 July 2026 Traveling down conveyor belts, bumping around on baggage carts and in cargo holds, suitcases quickly pick up scuffs that can be hard to remove. Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 27 July 2026 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • Magnific funds the series while Cardoza retains ownership and creative control.
    Maureen Kerr, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Versant retains Comcast’s cable leftovers and the digital assets.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Alex Pantling/Getty Images What is clear is that no one thinks the changes enacted in either the Championship or League One are a resolution to the EFL’s marked financial ills.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Simplicity and craft are definitely what everyone thinks of when Instagram comes to mind.
    Aurich Lawson, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Conversely, data center circuit board feedstock contains 20% to 25% pure copper by weight.
    Rob Kaplan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The 23-year-old, whose deal contains a club option for a further year, has been followed by Hull City and clubs in Italy and Germany.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Bristol Myers Squibb, or BMS, has a program to make its drugs available in lower-income countries.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Historically, the ruling party in Nigeria's presidential elections usually has a higher chance of winning when the race features more than one prominent opposition candidate.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Andreina Martinez owns Don Tequeno, a Venezuelan restaurant along the parade route in Jamaica Plain.
    Paul Burton, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Widely favored by environmentalists and government planners, the idea is generally opposed by real estate agents and anyone who owns a house or business at the beach.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • With the Paramount closed, some film premieres will be held at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, which accommodates about 2,800.
    Mya Copeland, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Primary Bath To fit a tub in the primary bath, Tribbett created a step-up that accommodates plumbing and angled the tub to leave room for a shower on the right.
    Laura Fenton, Midwest Living, 14 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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