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

But while that proposal is off the table, the specter of mining near the refuge remains.

— Drew Kann, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
While Kyiv has made significant progress since 2022 in defending itself against Russian missile and drone attacks, the country remains extremely vulnerable to ballistic missile strikes.

— Ihor N. Stelmach, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

Definition of remains

Verb

Before that, in a trend which lasts to this day, the very best players were always tempted away, to Italy or Spain, towards salaries that German football could never provide.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
The advantage lasts three to six months before a copy shows up.

— Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of lasts

Verb

Every detail, from private transfers and pre- or post-cruise stays to exclusive local experiences, is thoughtfully arranged to create a seamless journey from beginning to end.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 24 July 2026
Briceno suggests decanting only a small amount onto a clean palette and closing the jar immediately so the texture stays consistent.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026

Definition of stays

Verb

As an impasse between the union representing Fort Worth’s firefighters and the city over contract negotiations continues, Fort Worth City Council members have weighed in.

— Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
Bertha continues its tour along the Gulf Coast, ushering in tropical storm-force wind gusts, hazardous beach conditions and pockets of rain.

— Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 23 July 2026