HOLDS OUT Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

holds out

verb

present tense third-person singular of hold out

as in survives

to continue to operate or to meet one's needs we hoped our supply of firewood would hold out until power was restored luckily, the old outboard motor held out till we made it to shore

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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 out By Sophie Neiman, Contributor At a foreign exchange stall in a bustling marketplace here in Somaliland’s capital city, Abiquatar Farah proudly holds out a red banknote. — Mahbub Abdillahi, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Oct. 2026 Although the studio holds out hope that awards buzz could help the film have some legs as audiences discover it, critics have been divided, with Digger holding a 51 percent approval from reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026 The woman pushes her sunglasses on top of her head and holds out a hand. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 Havelock neither retreats to the closet nor holds out hope for resolution via vigilante justice. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Wilson holds out hope that federal lawmakers will amend their law to allow hemp sales to continue, though any such change faces an uphill battle. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 Upon arrival, a staffer holds out a tray of tropical popsicles as a first touch of hospitality. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 Or Gonzalez fully holds out and risks fines. — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 29 May 2026 No matter how many shows you guys do, his voice just holds out. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 24 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds out

Verb

As for why Carrie survives, Flanagan has plans for another two seasons, taking us into uncharted territory with King’s blessing.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
Mary, who survives him with their sons, remained by his side to the end.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of survives

Verb

The sensor is powered by a single AAA battery (not included) that typically lasts up to 6 months, depending on usage.

— John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026
The agreement lasts for three years but could be cut short or extended depending on whether the parties mutually determine the city and Police Department have reached compliance.

— Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of lasts

Verb

Instead, silence frequently prevails on the air, if not on social media.

— Mike Sando, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026
The site to which Shift is specific is not just the farm in King City but the field of historical preservation, where the conundrum of stasis versus passing time prevails.

— Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of prevails

Verb

Retailers now sell premium foods, specialty products and household basics under their own names, and the quality often holds up next to the big names.

— Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2026
After much hemming and hawing, Diplo selects an orange flower to purchase and posts a video to his Instagram stories in which the man holds up his shopping bag printed with a website for his wares.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026