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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

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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
Then keep scrolling to shop more picks inspired by celebrities. Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026 In addition to pure retinol, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this unique product features retinyl palmitate, an antioxidant-rich skin protectant, as well as retinyl acetate, a natural form of vitamin A that keeps pores clean while stimulating collagen production. Michelle Baricevic, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
Throughout the day, which nostril is dominant keeps swapping. Sarah Philip, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2025 One of the ways the 80-year-old keeps fit is by pushing bricks at the bottom of the swimming pool. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for keep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keep
Verb
  • The couple shared a sweet moment together as the actor celebrated his big win at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Some bring the joy of surfing to kids dealing with trauma and celebrate older surfers in an annual contest.
    Sharon Chin, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Each application will be reviewed individually, giving regulators greater flexibility while retaining tight oversight.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Leadership also noted that, despite the legal friction, a majority of members voted to retain the current board during a separate special meeting.
    Chase Jordan January 13, Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The paywall implementation follows intense backlash after the chatbot fulfilled requests to digitally remove clothing from photographs without subjects’ consent.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Building on these engagements, Palm sees his leadership at Catalina Global as the most fulfilling stage of his career.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Rather than storing all of your cleaning supplies in one central cabinet, use a caddy to keep some cleaning supplies and tools in each bathroom.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Instead of storing the marbles from your childhood in a bin in your closet, put them in a jar on your bookshelf.
    Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Together, these changes help maintain Full Well Capacity despite the tiny pixel size.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Sleek, minimal designs add polish while maintaining an effortless feel.
    Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In the past, American capitalism, despite its many faults, had managed to develop a safety net that compensated a little for its exploitations.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Ownership also involves financial responsibility, with car insurance playing a role in how people manage and protect their assets.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The state Department of Education controls public education, under the leadership of the governor and the Legislature.
    SHELLEY SMITH SPECIAL TO THE DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The farmers also pitched in with efforts of their own, including adjusting fertilizer methods, controlling soil erosion and increasing on-site water retention.
    Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Leaving stems and leaves intact through winter provides extra insulation to plant roots and crowns and protects plants from cold damage.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Remember, the park was originally protected because of its biodiversity, which is its biggest draw.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Keep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keep. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

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