keep 1 of 2

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

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
That one person is supposed to deliver a company’s entire Net Zero transition, wrangle data from hundreds of suppliers, meet evolving regulations, educate colleagues, and somehow keep everyone motivated. Gus Bartholomew, Sourcing Journal, 3 Nov. 2025 In the opening minutes of the second period Saturday, Evan Rodrigues heaved the puck toward the net, just trying to just keep it from exiting the zone and keep the Florida Panthers’ on the offensive against the Dallas Stars. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
Regular cleaning will ensure your vacuum keeps doing its job and prevent your home from feeling dustier than ever. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025 Although the keep votes are in the majority, the decision will ultimately hinge on whether administrators believe there’s enough independent, significant coverage to meet the bar. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for keep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keep
Verb
  • Town & Country takes its characters and their struggles at face value and, despite some gentle needling, celebrates their genuine camaraderie and familial commitment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Some of this year’s events also celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps and Navy.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • This preform is then heated and stretched, much like molten plastic, to produce thin fibers that retain the same intricate internal structure.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Starbucks will retain a 40% interest in the joint venture and will continue to own and license the brand and intellectual property to the new entity, the companies said.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The experiment discovered that AI could fulfill this role quite well.
    François Candelon, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
  • As a result of the deal, LSU may need to fulfill the $54 million buyout.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • We, in collaboration with our partners, store and/or access information on a user's device, including but not limited to IP addresses, unique identifiers, and browsing data stored in cookies, in order to process personal data.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2025
  • This oversized bag is roomy enough to store your laptop, book, water bottle, and wallet.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The wall sit also engages your core muscles, which helps maintain proper posture and prevent slouching.
    Jakob Roze, Health, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The Athletic maintains full editorial independence.
    Data Skrive, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In a 30-minute interview, Martin defended how the party has been managing its internal divisions, and pushed back at Republicans who have accused Democrats of embracing violence and radical politics.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Ancelotti had great success in managing Vinicius Jr, who is now having problems with Alonso.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For chemical control use a 3-way herbicide containing 2, 4-D as the main active ingredient to control broadleaf weeds like clover, henbit, and chickweed.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Gently touch your back foot onto the box and reverse the movement back toward the ground, keeping the movement slow and controlled.
    Jakob Roze, Health, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to preserving natural ecosystems and the sustainable fisheries that depend on them, reefs may help to protect coastlines from storms and floods, which will become ever more urgent as climate change and rising sea levels give rise to more dangerous storms.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2025
  • By strengthening the muscles and protecting cartilage, these exercises can help reduce pain from overstressed, stiff joints.
    Jakob Roze, Health, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Keep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keep. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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