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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
Climate scientists, meteorologists explain, use this as a way to simplify record keeping based on average seasonal monthly temperatures. John Tufts, IndyStar, 19 Dec. 2025 Kin keeping is invisible (but no less exhausting) work. Ana Serrano, Glamour, 14 Dec. 2025
Verb
The stand collar is ideal for keeping the chill out, too, while a water-resistant fabric sloughs off rain and snow with ease. Michelle Tchea, Travel + Leisure, 12 Jan. 2026 While there’s no guarantee an extension will be reached, Green Bay’s interest in keeping LaFleur is notable for the Giants because the Packers have been floated as a serious threat in the Harbaugh sweepstakes. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for keeping
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keeping
Noun
  • Police have detained several people for questioning, but do not have a suspect in custody.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The driver was placed in custody and taken to an area hospital for evaluation.
    Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Ross, who was one of several federal agents involved in the arrest, initially drew his service weapon, but holstered the gun after Muñoz-Guatemala stopped his car and raised his hands, according to the affidavit.
    Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The deadly shooting of a 37-year-old woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in a residential neighborhood in south Minneapolis has brought back painful memories of another high-profile incident in which a civilian died at the hands of a law enforcement officer.
    Jonah Kaplan, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Most experts say that the benefits of LED can be observed over time, but only with strict adherence to its protocol.
    Brennan Kilbane, Allure, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Comments are moderated for adherence to our Community Guidelines.
    Timia Cobb Breaking News Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • For a similar pair without the sticker shock, these $16 sunnies sport a similar shape.
    Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
  • On a recent afternoon, after days of sun and above freezing temps, the skating path looked a bit slushy, but Hudella offered assurance that with the thermometer dropping to near zero in the coming forecast, the ice would be in good shape by the time the gates opened for real.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Back in July, the actress shared a sweet post on her Instagram, celebrating her 23 years with her Moder.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • But that doesn't mean there weren't some memorable moments worth celebrating!
    Samantha Highfill, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Beyond raw power, the technology proved its resilience, retaining over 95 per cent of its performance after 1,100 hours of continuous use.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
  • With his departure, retaining Baugh became necessary for what Sumrall is trying to establish.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • As the labor market lags and six-figure dreams have been dashed, Gen Zers are turning to fulfilling careers—and education makes the top of the list.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Knowing that a private emotional process can resonate with someone else is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my practice.
    Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • There’s also a secret pocket in the waistband for storing small slender items like credit cards or an ID.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Marvel has publicly acknowledged that the studio's productions often scan actors' bodies, though the scans are generally only used for visual effects purposes rather than storing actors' likenesses for future projects.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Keeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keeping. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.

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