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
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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
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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
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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
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8
as in protecting
to drive danger or attack away from
may God bless and keep you
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of keeping
Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
Station keeping The Expedition 73 crewmates also took part in activities to maintain the space station's systems and prepare for future research.
—Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2025
Clear bins with lids are ideal for keeping these toys clean and dry.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for keeping
Noun
Today, many of those sales happen with little or no record-keeping.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
Station keeping The Expedition 73 crewmates also took part in activities to maintain the space station's systems and prepare for future research.
—Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
In that case, Oribe’s thickening spray is a reliable go-to for keeping fringe bouncy, while also offering heat protection.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2025
Clear bins with lids are ideal for keeping these toys clean and dry.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for keeping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keeping
Noun
-
Also in August, Edward Alexander Dana, who was arrested on vandalism charges, was accused of threatening the President while in police custody.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
4 Nov. 2025
-
His allies in Georgia flagged chain-of-custody gaps and possible duplicate scanning during the post-election audit period.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Its approach suggests that in the years since Ferrante first made her way into American readers’ hands, the status of feminist writing has seen a true shift.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
-
What Happens Next There will likely be long delays before SNAP benefits actually make it into the hands of beneficiaries again.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
As early as March 4, 2020, the FBI opened an assessment of Hole for possible adherence to racially motivated violent extremism.—
Tony Cook,
IndyStar,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Police added that no evidence of postmortem fractures were found on the remains, adding that forensic investigators found soil adherence and staining that suggest the remains may have been in the ground for over five decades.—
David Chiu,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The final shape of Fence was to be determined by whatever land-use permissions were granted to the Christos.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Designed by women, for women, the Trailmix Cargo Pants are lightweight, durable, and stretchy, with an adjustable waistband that actually stays put, and a flattering shape that’s hard to find in women’s hiking gear.—
Ariana Dickson,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The air is thick with chants celebrating his milestone.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Nebraska tied the game with an extra point after Missouri students rushed the field, celebrating an apparent victory.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
His team hammered visitors City 4-1 on November 5, and put another four past Braga five days later en route to retaining their Primeira Liga title.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
1 Nov. 2025
-
Attracting and retaining young talent—many of whom are native AI users—puts a premium on authentic leadership, growth opportunities, and inclusive cultures, according to the panelists.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Guerrero ended the game, and his season, stranded on third base—90 feet from fulfilling his ambition of giving a World Series ring to his father, who has a Hall of Fame plaque but no ring to show for his 16 years in the big leagues.—
Steve Rushin,
The Atlantic,
2 Nov. 2025
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Geralt and Yennefer are determined to stop Emperor Emhyr var Emreis (Bart Edwards) from fulfilling an ancient prophecy — which involves marrying his own daughter, Ciri — and gaining enough power to rule the entire Continent.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Avoid saving multiple cards on mobile wallets While convenient, storing several cards in one app can increase your exposure if your phone is compromised.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Seasonal Decorations Both Primack and Peak do not recommend storing your seasonal decorations in your bedroom closet.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Keeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keeping. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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