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
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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
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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
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of keeping
David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
The ongoing audit has cost $6 million so far, with lawmakers saying more funds are needed due to poor record-keeping.
—Melissa Brown, Chalkbeat, 10 Feb. 2026
Michael Phillis, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
The shade embodies spring, while keeping it muted and relaxed.
—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for keeping
Noun
Deficiencies in monitoring equipment and record-keeping helped get a Fort Lauderale OB-GYN office’s surgery license suspended by the Florida Department of Health.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
The ongoing audit has cost $6 million so far, with lawmakers saying more funds are needed due to poor record-keeping.
—Melissa Brown, Chalkbeat, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
Officials have dismissed concerns about higher customer costs from keeping coal plants operating, their plentiful emissions and their significant contribution to climate change.
—Michael Phillis, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
The shade embodies spring, while keeping it muted and relaxed.
—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for keeping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keeping
Noun
-
The Sheriff's Department will also conduct an in-custody death review.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
24 Feb. 2026
-
And continue to pray for the safety of the law enforcement community who are attempting to take the suspect into custody, and that no further law enforcement or innocent bystanders will be in harms way.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Belt-Stubblefield ignored orders to stop and raised his hands, and Neely punched him in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, according to Chamberlain’s account in the days after the shooting.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Goldberg's relatable flub came amid a Hot Topics discussion about Punch, an adorable macaque whose story of abandonment and bullying at the hands of other primates inside his Japanese zoo enclosure took the internet by storm across the last week.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Comments are moderated for adherence to our Community Guidelines.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
19 Feb. 2026
-
His stalwart adherence to his vision despite its lack of commercial viability earned him the admiration of his peers.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Each fancy vivid stone was perfectly matched in intensity and quality, but presented in different shapes—squares, emeralds, Asschers, or hearts, for example—that were chosen for their fire and saturation.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The marks of Timinsky’s drawing are quite visible on these shapes, suggesting the energetic scrubbing motion that must have made them.—
Benjamin Lima,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Ellicott City Children’s Museum is celebrating its grand re-opening this weekend after being on hiatus during the frigid winter months.—
Janet Kusterer,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Some business owners who brought the case against the administration, celebrating.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Rocks and gravel can also help keep weeds at bay while retaining moisture, so try experimenting with different colors and textures to level up your curb appeal.—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Infused with Japanese white peony, known for its moisture-retaining properties, plus silk protein and peptide-rich whey protein, Tatcha’s cushiony eye cream is designed to melt away the look of wrinkles while visibly firming.—
Tracy Perez Han,
InStyle,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Instead of fulfilling their contracts, the suspects used the funds for the company’s operating costs and their own personal expenses, the documents state.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Working with Jamie Lloyd and Hayley Atwell on Shakespeare’s most warm-hearted play has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my performing life.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The science of storing hydrogen in salt caverns Salt formations have a useful property.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Glueck styles open shelving with interesting bowls or glassware that feel special, collected, and curated, while storing everyday dinnerware and glassware in cabinets.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Keeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keeping. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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