1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in hands
the fact or state of having (something) at one's disposal
my aunt has all of our family's old photographs in her keeping
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in adherence
the following of a custom, rule, or law
the keeping of religious laws and traditions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in shape
a state of being or fitness
the estate hasn't been in good keeping since the owner suffered financial reverses
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in celebrating
to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony
keep the Sabbath by not working
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in retaining
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fulfilling
to do what is required by the terms of
make sure you keep your promise to help out at the homeless shelter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in storing
to place somewhere for safekeeping or ready availability
I keep extra toothbrushes for unexpected overnight guests
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in managing
to look after and make decisions about
enlisted a relative to keep the store while she was away
Synonyms & Similar Words
7
as in controlling
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
try to keep your composure no matter what happens
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in protecting
to drive danger or attack away from
may God bless and keep you
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
Since guests typically gather in the kitchen, a keeping room is ideal for overflow and comfort.
—Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026
Cruz spokesperson Macarena Martinez dismissed that, saying his outreach is aimed at keeping Texas Republican and ensuring a GOP victory in November.
—Joseph Morton, Dallas Morning News, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for keeping
Noun
The vessel is capable of station keeping and hovering.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
Since guests typically gather in the kitchen, a keeping room is ideal for overflow and comfort.
—Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
Verb
You’ll be best served by keeping boundaries clear and joint funds accountable to all.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 30 Jan. 2026
Cruz spokesperson Macarena Martinez dismissed that, saying his outreach is aimed at keeping Texas Republican and ensuring a GOP victory in November.
—Joseph Morton, Dallas Morning News, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for keeping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keeping
Noun
-
With credit for time already served in custody, prosecutors said Weston will become eligible for parole about 16 years from now.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
3 Feb. 2026
-
But actually arresting somebody and putting them in custody requires a much higher level of proof, which is probable cause.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Richard and Moody tried their hands at Butler-style pullup jumpers, and Hield handled the ball a tad more than Kerr would have probably liked.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Using your hands, mix until combined (don’t be gentle; mixing well will help the meatballs hold their shape when formed).—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The investigation will examine the vehicle's behavior in school zones and its adherence to speed limits.—
Keith Laing,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Comments are moderated for adherence to our Community Guidelines.—
Manuel Mendoza,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Until now, Jupiter’s shape was based on just six measurements taken by NASA’s Voyager and Pioneer missions nearly five decades ago.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Some plants will regain their former shape as soon as the weight is gone.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
She was also spotted alongside friends and family celebrating Skenes winning the award during the selection show after the 2025 season.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
-
But the Icelandic jazz-pop hybrid had more on her mind than just celebrating.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Today, only 24% of organizations report issues with attracting or retaining employees, down from 36% last year, 45% from 2024 and 53% from 2023.—
John M. Bremen,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Candidates largely agree on recruitment, ICE Most of the candidates said that retaining and recruiting staff at the sheriff’s office, a challenge for years, will come down to who is in charge.—
Ryan Oehrli,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Murphy said the denials keep Congress from fulfilling its constitutional and statutory responsibility to conduct oversight of executive branch facilities.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Love feels playful, cinematic and emotionally fulfilling.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But the acorn woodpecker is a resident bird that prefers to remain here and has developed a unique process of gathering and storing acorns to sustain the clan until the next crop is produced.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Feb. 2026
-
This makes updating easy and leaves the SaaS companies with the responsibility of storing customer data and keeping it safe.—
The Motley Fool,
Dallas Morning News,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Keeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keeping. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
