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
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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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The program currently remains in another legal battle, with people able to renew their status but no new applications accepted.—
Mathew Miranda
February 26,
Sacbee.com,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The military remains Pakistan’s most powerful institution, having solidified its dominance throughout the country’s history with coups and constitutional amendments.—
Sophia Saifi,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2026
-
And watch SpaceX lift off to meet its maker, as Elon waits, already in orbit around his own head.—
Pat Beall,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Symptoms include blood in stool or rectal bleeding; changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of stool that lasts more than a few days; unintended weight loss; and cramps or abdominal pain.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Feb. 2026
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The 18-course Devoro tasting menu (290 Euros, or around $340), which lasts three-and-a-half hours in the serving, is a fascinating fiesta of miniature dishes in which Salazar’s Andalusian origins mix and match with island inspirations.—
Paul Richardson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
When a heat wave strikes or a cold snap sets in, a basement stays relatively comfortable compared to an upstairs room.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The look stays clean yet alluring with the right amount of shine to catch the eye.—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Judge continues weighing fairness issues, including whether to allow courtroom video footage and cameras amid defense concerns about media bias.—
Hannah Schoenbaum,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
-
However, the number of rent-gouging complaints received by the county continues to increase.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holds on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds%20on. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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