HOLDS ON Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

holds on

verb

present tense third-person singular of hold on

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

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of holds on The compilation misses remaining in the highest tier by only two rungs, while The Essential Michael Jackson barely holds on inside the bottom quarter of the 200-position roster. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 House Bill 945 establishes new regulations for cryptocurrency kiosks and allows financial institutions to place temporary holds on transactions when elder financial exploitation is suspected. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 29 June 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds on

Verb

Albany police said Gallimore has been suspended without pay while the outcome of administrative action against him remains pending.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
With prospects for a deal toward ending the war with Iran unclear, the stability of oil supplies remains uncertain with the Strait of Hormuz nearly closed, blocking a vital route for oil and gas tankers from the Middle East.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of remains

Verb

Reading The Quality Of A Tennis Necklace The difference between a tennis necklace that lasts and one that does not reveals itself in details most people never think to check.

— Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
The highly pigmented semi gloss deposits color—13 shades—that lasts up to eight washes, leaving behind lustrous hair.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of lasts

Verb

Fireplaces are stocked with fragrant piñon wood, making winter stays especially cozy, while silk covers conceal TVs and handmade Le Creuset dishware keep modern amenities from disrupting the mood.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
OpenRouter’s worth rests on routing that stays indifferent to who owns the router.

— Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of stays

Verb

The investigation continues, and some facts could change as witnesses are interviewed and evidence is examined, Brown said.

— Phil Helsel, NBC news, 20 Aug. 2026
Police still have not provided information on a suspect or motive in the shooting as their investigation continues.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026