as in survives
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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Recent Examples of holds out
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
Or Gonzalez fully holds out and risks fines.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 29 May 2026
No matter how many shows you guys do, his voice just holds out.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 24 May 2026
The owner who holds out for yesterday’s pricing can discover that extended vacancy carries a cost that is far greater than a small concession would have been.
—Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
The gamble that Dallas plays in this instance is if Pickens holds out from voluntary and mandatory offseason activities until a long-term deal is worked out.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
But seemingly by sheer willpower, Meredith holds out her hand, which sends the liquid back in the opposite direction toward Britani.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
Here’s hoping the good weather holds out for at least a few more weeks.
—Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Or Gonzalez fully holds out and risks fines.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 29 May 2026
No matter how many shows you guys do, his voice just holds out.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 24 May 2026
The owner who holds out for yesterday’s pricing can discover that extended vacancy carries a cost that is far greater than a small concession would have been.
—Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
The gamble that Dallas plays in this instance is if Pickens holds out from voluntary and mandatory offseason activities until a long-term deal is worked out.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
But seemingly by sheer willpower, Meredith holds out her hand, which sends the liquid back in the opposite direction toward Britani.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
Here’s hoping the good weather holds out for at least a few more weeks.
—Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds out
Verb
-
The gesture of queerness survives in the harshest of climates.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
-
Even if the Black Caucus survives, the bruising fights emerging in the party and the awkward political alignments emerging are likely to have longer-term ramifications.—
Nicholas Wu,
semafor.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Typically, symptoms resolve within two to seven days, but people with severe symptoms, including diarrhea that lasts more than three days, high fever and blood in stool should seek medical attention.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
3 June 2026
-
Americans are increasingly open to approaches that reduce harm, strengthen communities, and deliver safety that lasts.—
Ana Zamora,
Time,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
What prevails is efficiency, rather than respect for freedom and human dignity.—
Siladitya Ray,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
-
But in the postseason, when team identities teeter, moxie prevails.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
That show really holds up, though.—
Marah Eakin,
Vulture,
28 May 2026
-
The high-strength nylon exterior is impressively durable, and the water-repellent coating holds up against rain, spills, and everyday wear.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holds out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds%20out. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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