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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What Hilton is right about California’s population is highly concentrated, while much of the state’s land remains rural or undeveloped.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
Burrow has dealt with injuries throughout his career but remains one of the premier talents at the position when healthy.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Verb
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That is why the NBA waits until August, well after free agency, to release its schedule.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
15 May 2026
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Outside Lost Girls Vintage on Chicago’s Division Street, a trolley waits to shuttle shoppers between independent vintage stores across the city.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Unlike the high school recruiting process, the portal window lasts about two weeks — not months (or in some cases, years).—
Grace Raynor,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
Khan says the conversation is shifting toward how long denim lasts and what happens at the end of a garment’s life.—
Catherine Salfino,
Footwear News,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Travelers can book no-phone retreats across Bali, Montana, the Bahamas, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Canada and Costa Rica, with options ranging from silent meditation stays to ultra-remote wilderness resorts reachable only by floatplane.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2026
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This delightful herb-forward hummus stays fresh in the fridge up to 3 days.—
Shelly Westerhausen Worcel,
Midwest Living,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
As the beaded trend continues its evolution from accessories to apparel, summer 2026 is shaping up to be the season of the beaded swimsuit.—
Lauren Fisher,
Footwear News,
19 May 2026
-
The fun continues in the carriages.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holds on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds%20on. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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