Synonyms of holds water

holds water

phrase

present tense third-person singular of hold water

as in flies

to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval

a weak explanation that doesn't hold water

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flies
• works
• stands up
• holds up
• passes
• passes muster
• washes
• plays
• goes down
• goes over
• goes through
• takes
• gets through

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of holds water

For example, the lower states pushed unsuccessfully for a federal promise to release more water each year from upstream reservoirs into Lake Mead, which holds water for California and other downstream states. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026