holes up

present tense third-person singular of hole up
as in hides
to remain out of sight we'll hole up in the cellar and wait out the hurricane

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 holes up But repeating 14-3 and a trip to the Super Bowl feels highly unlikely with the Patriots having a much tougher schedule and needing to plug holes up front on defense. — The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 The floor-length dress featured a cross-stitched halterneck, a netted bodice and a floor-length lace skirt with holes up and down her legs. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 May 2026 Drilling into your home’s exterior is rarely a good idea, and patching any holes up is an absolute must. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 26 Feb. 2026 Adelaida holes up in her mother’s apartment, unable to bring herself to pack up or even sort through her things, ignoring the banging and shouting from the street below. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025 In this Canadian oddity, the fictional band Triton holes up in a farmhouse to record their new album. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025 Now on the run after escaping from prison, Manchester holes up in a local Toys R’ Us for several months. — Katherine Singh, Refinery29, 9 Sep. 2025 Canes defenders gave Notre Dame receivers too much cushion in coverage, the interior of the defense allowed too many holes up the middle and linebacker Mohamed Toure busted coverage on Eli Raridon’s 65-yard catch and run, setting up Carr’s 7-yard run for the tying touchdown. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025 Quick and decisive in the middle of the Pondo defense, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior has the power to shed blockers and plug holes up front, and the speed to track down ball-carriers on the edge. — Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 18 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holes up
Verb
  • While the fabric is satin, the black color hides stains effortlessly.
    — Anna Traver, InStyle, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The malicious software hides inside the phone's firmware, giving attackers powerful access that ordinary apps never receive.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • What lurks over the next ridge or the next nightfall is anyone’s guess.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Spurs superstar lurks down low near the basket, allowing guards to pressure aggressively on the perimeter.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • At its heart lies a fundamental question about American democracy.
    — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 1 Nov. 2026
  • But behind the fun lies a more serious problem known as black cat bias.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Holes up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holes%20up. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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