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
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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
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Recent Examples of holds on
Nava’s specific approach to reining in rogue behavior by AI agents is the creation of an escrow service that holds on to funds until an agent proposes a transaction.
—
Jack Kubinec,
Fortune,
14 Apr. 2026
The camera holds on them mid-ascent.
—
Jp Mangalindan,
Time,
27 Jan. 2026
Jack Kubinec,
Fortune,
14 Apr. 2026
The camera holds on them mid-ascent.
—
Jp Mangalindan,
Time,
27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds on
Verb
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But the fear of being snatched by ICE agents remains, Neel said.
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But much of the repressive and corrupt structure in place during Maduro’s reign remains, with no concrete date set for democratic presidential elections.
Verb
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Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio.
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The last possibility is the one that strains the current regulatory approach, in which the government waits for a technology to settle before studying its effects and writing rules around them.
Verb
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For example, Jung said, if a crosswalk signal usually lasts 20 seconds, but SmartBlink predicts one pedestrian will take 34 seconds based on their first few strides, the system would automatically add 14 more seconds to the crossing signal.
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The formula is so creamy and hydrating (it’s made with jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid), and the color payoff lasts all day long.
Verb
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The partner who honors their own limits stays honest.
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Offer a raincheck so your energy returns and goodwill stays intact.
Verb
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As the four-day event continues today, Wednesday, June 24 through Friday, June 26, there’s no better time to snag the latest deals that just launched on site.
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The update comes as Busfield continues to contest criminal charges filed earlier this year in New Mexico.
Cite this Entry
“Holds on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds%20on. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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