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
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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
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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
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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
-
The 12-megapixel rear-facing camera takes great photos, and the battery lasts through the day.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Turn savings into income that lasts Saving is only half the challenge.—
Chris Mahoney,
Fortune,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In larger groups especially, that voice often stays quiet.—
Jane Sadowsky,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
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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
-
From here, slow travel continues across county lines.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Tehran, however, continues to deny any direct negotiations are taking place.—
Joseph Wilkins,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holds on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds%20on. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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