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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

6
7
8

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
The Spurs entered Saturday night trailing the Knicks 3-1 in the NBA Finals, needing a win to keep their season alive and force the series back to Madison Square Garden. Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026 Despite some wage growth, incomes haven’t kept pace with persistent inflation. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Noun
For families, The Mitten Brewing Company delivers a winning keep-everyone-happy combination—good pizza, room for kids to play, and a tasty cream ale called The Stretch. Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 2 June 2026 Relatively speaking, the Primetime Emmys are still a massive platform and the social media impressions surrounding the telecast keep growing. Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for keep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keep
Verb
  • During the gala the ministry of tourism also celebrated the launch of burgeoning destinations, major developments, and new hotels throughout the country, including in Miches, Punta Bergantín, Samaná, Santo Domingo, and Santiago.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
  • The festival will celebrate the LGBTQ+ culture, music, community and entertainment.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • In April, its Global AI Hub Law draft set out three levels of data embassies, ranging from the guest country retaining full autonomy to hybrid legal protections where Saudi courts could assist foreign courts.
    Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2025
  • Add perlite, pine bark, coconut coir, or compost to indoor potting mix to make a mixture that retains moisture but doesn’t get waterlogged.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Lizete González, a Mexico fan, said the city has a long way to go to fulfill its promises.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
  • The standard must be whether outcomes justified the investment, promises were fulfilled, and measurable results were achieved.
    Michele Steeb, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • That's why making noise, storing food properly and carrying accessible bear spray remain your best defenses.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
  • The only opposition came from James Eadie, a licensed pyrotechnic operator, who said hobby rocket users could have difficulty complying with the bill because many local governments do not have permitting processes for storing small quantities of rocket motors.
    Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • Lieurance, 73, was a dentist who maintained a years-long practice in Wichita before moving to Overland Park, reportedly to be closer to his children and grandchildren.
    Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
  • Griffin said previous discussions had put the city’s subsidy at between $700 and $1,200 per rooftop to maintain service standards.
    Noah Daly June 16, Idaho Statesman, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • But if there is an economic or stock market crash, the budget projections could be even worse than what is managed through the fiscal stabilization plan.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
  • Iraq has still kept up the pressure and is managing to generate chances even with the lack of ball control.
    NBC News, NBC news, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Tampa Bay trails the Carolina Panthers, who at 7-6 now control their own destiny in the NFC South race.
    Alex Valdes, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
  • Who controls the reshaping—and under what conditions—remains far from settled.
    Eric Schmidt, Time, 11 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The weather service also urged people to avoid windows, and if outdoors, in a mobile home or in a vehicle to seek the closest substantial shelter and to protect themselves from flying debris.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
  • On Wednesday, Raman said her administration would focus on lowering housing costs, protecting renters, reducing homelessness, improving city services, strengthening emergency response systems, supporting small businesses and fighting to retain jobs in the entertainment industry.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 11 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Keep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keep. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on keep

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster