1
as in remains
to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state
the ancient beliefs still held on in remote mountain villages
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in waits
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something
hold on a minute—it's not your turn
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 on
The camera holds on them mid-ascent.
—
Jp Mangalindan, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
Jp Mangalindan, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds on
Verb
-
Following the money While much of the money’s final destination remains unclear, the documents offer glimpses into how some of it was spent.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
27 Mar. 2026
-
That Smith’s work remains little-known is all the more baffling considering the strength and depth of a retrospective now up at Keith de Lellis.—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.—
Paulina Likos,Zev Fima,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
-
As Irma, who painfully waits for news of the fate of her family, Gardner embodies the agony — her performance is a quiet, simmering slow burn that shows both despair and hope.—
Michelle F. Solomon,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Counsell is hoping the rehab lasts from three to seven days.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The 2026 New York International Auto Show begins April 3 and lasts until April 12.—
Keith Laing,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In larger groups especially, that voice often stays quiet.—
Jane Sadowsky,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Its FlowState Stabilization and 360-degree Horizon Lock ensure your footage stays level and buttery-smooth without a gimbal, while the Invisible Selfie Stick effect enables impossible third-person views.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Fort Worth Benbrook continues to thrive Fort Worth Benbrook isn’t ranked but probably should be.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
-
No trial date has been set, as his defense continues to review the evidence and conduct depositions.—
Cristóbal Reyes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holds on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds%20on. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
