keep 1 of 2

Definition of keepnext
1
as in to celebrate
to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony keep the Sabbath by not working

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to store
to place somewhere for safekeeping or ready availability I keep extra toothbrushes for unexpected overnight guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
as in to maintain
to pay the living expenses of agreed to keep both of their children in off-campus housing until they graduated and found jobs

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keep

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word keep different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of keep are celebrate, commemorate, and observe. While all these words mean "to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed," keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating.

kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

Where would celebrate be a reasonable alternative to keep?

While in some cases nearly identical to keep, celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity.

traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

When might commemorate be a better fit than keep?

In some situations, the words commemorate and keep are roughly equivalent. However, commemorate suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event.

commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths

When is it sensible to use observe instead of keep?

Although the words observe and keep have much in common, observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance.

not all holidays are observed nationally

How is the word keep different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of keep are celebrate, commemorate, and observe. While all these words mean "to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed," keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating.

kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

Where would celebrate be a reasonable alternative to keep?

While in some cases nearly identical to keep, celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity.

traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

When might commemorate be a better fit than keep?

In some situations, the words commemorate and keep are roughly equivalent. However, commemorate suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event.

commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths

When is it sensible to use observe instead of keep?

Although the words observe and keep have much in common, observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance.

not all holidays are observed nationally

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 keep
Verb
For a more budget-friendly pick, try these waterproof hiking pants at Amazon that will keep you dry even in the rainiest places. Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026 Before long, smitten cast members, including Sarah Sherman and a cameraman wearing an I (Heart) Harry shirt who kept focusing on Styles, proved too much for Gosling, who called off a big song and dance number featuring most of the cast in silver space attire. Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
Features can vary by model but typically GM and Nissan include lane keep assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear seat alert, pedestrian detection, forward and rear collision avoidance, road sign detection, and pre-emergency braking. Scotty Reiss, Parents, 24 Feb. 2026 From reviving tired wood cutting boards to catching critters, this multitasking tool earns its keep far beyond baking day. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for keep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keep
Verb
  • This month, Burberry marked its 170th anniversary with a campaign celebrating the signature trench.
    Maliha Shoaib, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2026
  • As conservationists celebrate that win, the story for birds nationwide is not so rosy.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Despite the institutional changes, the National Symphony Orchestra is retaining its decadeslong residency.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Sherlock is an effortless update of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s seminal detective novels, one that’s brilliantly modernized while retaining all of the source material’s classical charms.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • On Wednesday night, with a dose of pentobarbital pumped into a vein, Ricks’ wish was fulfilled.
    Emerson Clarridge Updated March 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
  • For now, Tibbs is content to be fulfilling his potential with one organization.
    Jack Vita, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told reporters the depots were used to fuel Iran's war effort, including producing or storing propellant for ballistic missiles.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Although the data remains locally stored on each device, all participants in the network can validate the records, which ensures that the information cannot be secretly modified or erased.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The commission’s decision backed the utilities’ position, which was that those who have rooftop panels don’t pay their fair share of costs for maintaining the grid, which shifts expenses disproportionately to non-solar customers.
    Malena Carollo, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Under the merger, which is expected to close in spring or early summer, both brands will maintain their own line of products and retail locations.
    Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Panthers are managing a slew of injuries and are managing the workloads of several players down the stretch.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The former is focused on advancing noninvasive approaches to treating diabetes and managing metabolic health.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Republicans, who control half of the Minnesota House, pointed out that DHS failed to detect fraud for years.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Inside the cabin, the Ti3 integrates electronically controlled seating systems designed for ergonomic customization.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Consider moving a meeting to protect family time, because a small adjustment could restore steadiness without sacrificing your supportive nature.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
  • To protect these fragile machines, developers are supposed to invest in expensive battery storage or grid backups, ultimately driving up production costs and stalling the transition to affordable green fuel.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Keep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keep. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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