Thesaurus

keep

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of keep

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony

keep the Sabbath by not working

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Antonyms for keep

2 to continue to have in one's possession or power

the money is yours to keep

keep my secret and don't tell it to anyone

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bear,
harbor

Phrases Synonymous with keep

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discard,
dump

lose

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3 to do what is required by the terms of

make sure you keep your promise to help out at the homeless shelter

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default (on)

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4 to place somewhere for safekeeping or ready availability

I keep extra toothbrushes for unexpected overnight guests

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5 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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6 to look after and make decisions about

enlisted a relative to keep the store while she was away

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watch over

7 to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)

try to keep your composure no matter what happens

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lose

8 to drive danger or attack away from

may God bless and keep you

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Phrases Synonymous with keep

stand up for

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keep

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of keep (Entry 2 of 2)

the act or activity of keeping something in an existing and usually satisfactory condition

the keep of the stable is mainly left to the two equine-loving daughters

Synonyms for keep

Words Related to keep

conservancy

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Frequently Asked Questions About keep

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