1
as in postpones
to assign to a later time
held up mail delivery until we had a permanent address
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stops
to bring (something) to a standstill
traffic was held up for miles by the accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in hampers
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
if lack of transportation is the only thing holding you up, I can give you a ride
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in survives
to continue to operate or to meet one's needs
the air conditioner held up this year, but it's not going to make it through another summer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in remains
to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state
the storm's hurricane-force winds did not hold up once it hit the coast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in flies
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
an argument that won't hold up in court
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holds up
This double-wide camp chair is quilted and comfortable, with durable 600D polyester fabric that holds up to weather, spills, and even a slobbery dog (or two) climbing aboard.
—
Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
Despite the show’s late 1800s backdrop, much of the material still holds up today, from Laura’s (Melissa Gilbert) teen angst to heavy storylines involving topics like grief, spirituality, addiction, and more.
—Kelly Martinez, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Besides, Snake Eater holds up remarkably well despite being more than 20 years old.
—Joshua Lamb, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
While McGuire went without prosthetics, for example, Young’s war-scarred face is expertly executed — realistic and restrained, with detail that holds up to scrutiny even in the new Blu-ray’s razor-sharp imagery.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2025
With the right tools and a little practice, anyone can achieve a glossy, long-lasting manicure that holds up for up to two—sometimes even three—weeks.
—Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 11 Aug. 2025
Needless to say, this more budget-friendly pick holds up—and keeps lashes lifted, too.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2025
And while the intent was understandable, performing without any concert-specific arrangements — relying solely on the original choreography and the abilities of members just two years into their debut — felt like a tall order for a venue the size of Inspire Arena, which holds up to 15,000 people.
—Billboard Korea, Billboard, 4 Aug. 2025
The State Department said the program would help determine whether the long-standing assumption that visa bonds are too difficult to enforce holds up under modern conditions.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
Despite the show’s late 1800s backdrop, much of the material still holds up today, from Laura’s (Melissa Gilbert) teen angst to heavy storylines involving topics like grief, spirituality, addiction, and more.
—Kelly Martinez, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Besides, Snake Eater holds up remarkably well despite being more than 20 years old.
—Joshua Lamb, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
While McGuire went without prosthetics, for example, Young’s war-scarred face is expertly executed — realistic and restrained, with detail that holds up to scrutiny even in the new Blu-ray’s razor-sharp imagery.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2025
With the right tools and a little practice, anyone can achieve a glossy, long-lasting manicure that holds up for up to two—sometimes even three—weeks.
—Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 11 Aug. 2025
Needless to say, this more budget-friendly pick holds up—and keeps lashes lifted, too.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2025
And while the intent was understandable, performing without any concert-specific arrangements — relying solely on the original choreography and the abilities of members just two years into their debut — felt like a tall order for a venue the size of Inspire Arena, which holds up to 15,000 people.
—Billboard Korea, Billboard, 4 Aug. 2025
The State Department said the program would help determine whether the long-standing assumption that visa bonds are too difficult to enforce holds up under modern conditions.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds up
Verb
-
The panel’s decision postpones the effective dates of TPS terminations directed by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
And the hope is that this creature, who's all set up to create chaos and violence, somehow stops that and changes it all.—
Gerrad Hall,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Sep. 2025
-
With the right mix of competence and strategy, engineers can create careers that are both resilient and rewarding in a world that never stops changing.—
Srishti Gupta,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Training camp and preseason will ultimately decide who survives the roster squeeze.—
Brian Sampson,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
-
However, after his 17th version unexpectedly survives a mission, a new 18th clone is already in rotation — leaving two Mickeys alive and one slated for annihilation.—
Charlotte Walsh,
People.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Thankfully for the Packers, Chicago remains in the division.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The cause of it remains under investigation.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
All six passengers and crew onboard the Family Boat, which flies the Portuguese flag, were reported safe and unharmed.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Even in the Midwest, Nebraska flies blissfully under the radar of most tourists' radars.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
John Malkovich shows up for a tangent that is meant to be expositional, but really only needlessly delays what’s coming.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Others say that approach risks keeping critical documents under wraps and delays a fuller accounting.—
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Antihydra almost certainly never halts.—
Ben Brubaker,
Quanta Magazine,
22 Aug. 2025
-
More than 50 Democratic lawmakers fled the state earlier this week, a decision that halts action on redistricting, as well as other bills in the legislature.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holds up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds%20up. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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