HOLING UP Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

holing up

verb

present participle of hole up

as in lurking

to remain out of sight we'll hole up in the cellar and wait out the hurricane

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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 holing up To write, Rosales went off the grid, holing up in a cabin in the woods. — Myriam Gurba, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Amir and Miri share their memories of holing up in a lightless, airless concrete room with two children under the age of 5, trying desperately to remain quiet. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2025 Now teens were holing up in garages across America in an attempt to create their own versions of the Fab Four. — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025 And at the very least, Damour said, kids won’t get a chance to develop the habit of holing up in their bedroom with their phone and never coming out. — Rheana Murray, The Atlantic, 11 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for holing up

Verb

Surging Treasury yields have rattled Wall Street, but there may also be an opportunity lurking for income investors to turn a profit.

— Michelle Fox, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
For more than a century, astronomers have been captivated by the idea that an undiscovered planet could be lurking in the furthest reaches of our solar system.

— Micah Hanks, Space.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of lurking

Verb

Just as O’Malley and Rahill’s work is infatuated with toxic masculinity and fratty hopecore, Bensinger’s is obsessed with sheepish dude-empaths hiding beneath layers of uneasy bravado.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
The pursuit eventually led officers into the forest outside Sacramento, where 44-year-old Derek Spencer held them at bay by hiding and firing from behind a berm until he was shot and killed, authorities said.

— Breaking News, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of hiding

Verb

After lying dormant for over twenty years, the property has been completely renovated to make the space feel tasteful, modern, and comfortable while continuing to pay tribute to its deep archival roots.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Accusers were exaggerating or lying outright in pursuit of a payday.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of lying

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holing

holing up

holistic

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“Holing up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holing%20up. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of holing up

verb

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