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
Cite this Entry
“Keeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keeping. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
