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Definition of keepingnext
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as in custody
responsibility for the safety and well-being of someone or something put the house keys into a neighbor's secure keeping while they were on vacation

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as in shape
a state of being or fitness the estate hasn't been in good keeping since the owner suffered financial reverses

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

keeping

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verb

present participle of keep
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as in storing
to place somewhere for safekeeping or ready availability I keep extra toothbrushes for unexpected overnight guests

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as in supporting
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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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 keeping
Noun
But Lotta would return to Sweden, with the two keeping in touch through letters. Alex Ritman, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026 Memory keeping is no longer reserved for weddings and baby books. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
It is aforementioned Howard, a 16-seed, keeping it inexplicably interesting against a 1-seeded Michigan that had both a laughable size and budget advantage. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026 Leeds looked solid throughout a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, keeping the hosts at arm’s length throughout a tough second half while reduced to 10 men. Mark Carey, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for keeping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keeping
Noun
  • The funeral prayer for the 41-year-old Afghan father of six who died Saturday in ICE custody was held Tuesday while more questions arise about why he was picked up and what caused his death less than a day later.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Police say the suspect was taken into custody roughly 30 minutes after officers received the 911 call.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In the meantime, apply a smear of lotion to your hands to protect your skin and prepare a bowl of ice-cold water.
    Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The fabric covering her front continued behind her like two mini trains, which Olandria waved with her hands, creating an almost wing-like shape.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Comments are moderated for adherence to our Community Guidelines.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The family’s swift removal and return raises questions about ICE’s actions and its agents adherence to policies, the family’s attorneys said in court filings.
    Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This means that your desire to whip things in shape at home or with a family member might be ill-timed.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Let collaboration shape a strong plan.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The parade marched down Market Street with bagpipe players, traditional Irish dancers and colorful floats celebrating Irish heritage.
    Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • In her speech, Kang reflected on the long wait for Korean representation in a film like this while celebrating the milestone for future generations.
    Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • If the merger fully goes through, Nexstar would lose the KNWA station while retaining KFTA and KXNW and adding Tegna's KFSM station for their Northwest Arkansas coverage.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
  • But the organization is retaining its wider prohibition against receiving transfusions of others' blood — a procedure routinely used with patients after accidents, violence or other blood loss.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • By making this register the emotional climax of the season, the show leaves us with the impression that John and Carolyn’s relationship was more messed up than fulfilling or loving.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
  • This week’s adventures in dining were a bit of a mixed bag of Lenten fish fry, catching up with a friend and fulfilling a craving.
    Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Ultraviolet light from its host star triggers the creation of sulfur dioxide in the upper atmosphere, and a massive sub-surface magma ocean acts as a buffer, storing and releasing volatile gases over billions of years.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Mar. 2026
  • This main compartment is also lined with pockets that are perfect for storing small eye shadow palettes or bronzers.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Keeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keeping. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

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