MAINTAIN Synonyms: 137 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'maintain' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of maintain are assert , defend , justify , and vindicate . While all these words mean "to uphold as true, right, just, or reasonable," maintain stresses firmness of conviction. // steadfastly maintained his innocence

Q: When would 'assert' be a good substitute for 'maintain'?

Although the words assert and maintain have much in common, assert suggests determination to make others accept one's claim. // asserted her rights

Q: When could 'defend' be used to replace 'maintain'?

In some situations, the words defend and maintain are roughly equivalent. However, defend implies maintaining in the face of attack or criticism. // defended his voting record

Q: When is it sensible to use 'justify' instead of 'maintain'?

The words justify and maintain can be used in similar contexts, but justify implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to precedent. // the action was used to justify military intervention

Q: In what contexts can 'vindicate' take the place of 'maintain'?

The meanings of vindicate and maintain largely overlap; however, vindicate implies successfully defending. // his success vindicated our faith in him

maintain

verb

mān-ˈtān

Definition of maintain

as in to preserve

to keep in good condition he repairs and maintains antique cars as a hobby

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to defend

to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections part of debating is learning to maintain your position in the face of harsh challenges

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as in to keep

to pay the living expenses of we simply cannot afford to maintain a horse

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as in to argue

to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration she continued to maintain that a sewing machine would end up paying for itself since she could make her own clothes

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as in to insist

to state as a fact usually forcefully he maintains that there is indeed hard evidence for extraterrestrial visitors

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb maintain differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of maintain are assert, defend, justify, and vindicate. While all these words mean "to uphold as true, right, just, or reasonable," maintain stresses firmness of conviction.

steadfastly maintained his innocence

When would assert be a good substitute for maintain?

Although the words assert and maintain have much in common, assert suggests determination to make others accept one's claim.

asserted her rights

When could defend be used to replace maintain?

In some situations, the words defend and maintain are roughly equivalent. However, defend implies maintaining in the face of attack or criticism.

defended his voting record

When is it sensible to use justify instead of maintain?

The words justify and maintain can be used in similar contexts, but justify implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to precedent.

the action was used to justify military intervention

In what contexts can vindicate take the place of maintain?

The meanings of vindicate and maintain largely overlap; however, vindicate implies successfully defending.

his success vindicated our faith in him

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 maintain Gucci will once again serve as the presenting sponsor, maintaining a vital partnership that has supported the gala since its inception in 2011. — Robert Lang, Deadline, 15 July 2026 On the Autobahn, the Cayenne effortlessly stormed to its 162 mph top speed, feeling granite-solid and maintaining an air of serenity inside. — Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 15 July 2026 Bunch appears to have enough support on the board that would maintain his control until the midterms this year, and even until 2029. — News Desk, Artforum, 15 July 2026 The Steinbrenner family will maintain their control of YGE and the Yankees. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for maintain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for maintain

Verb

The concept, which evolved from Victory Coffee & Calamity, preserves its specialty coffee program while giving the same space an entirely different personality in the later hours.

— Christopher Hassiotis, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
While Rodriguez and other supporters have pushed to preserve the unit, critics of expanding Sheriff’s Office funding argue that the county should instead invest in social and community services.

— Reeti Malhotra July 13, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of preserve

Verb

And with Brown, VJ Edgecombe and Dean Wade on the roster, James would also be insulated from defending on the perimeter at a high volume.

— Tony Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
The defending champions made Kansas City their base camp for the tournament as the team began its quest to become back to back champions for the first time since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

— PJ Green July 13, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

Definition of defend

Verb

Ify’s box contains a fake $100 bill, but Catherine decides to keep her box.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026
James McConnell The 21-year-old central midfielder returned to action at the end of last season, playing for the under-21s and training with the first team after an injury kept him out of action for a large portion of the campaign.

— Andy Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of keep

Verb

The defense had argued to delay the hearing, saying in court filings this spring the high volume of discovery meant Robinson’s attorneys would be unable to adequately prepare.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Proponents argue recordings would solve a long-standing crisis that leaves many proceedings with no verbatim record.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of argue

Verb

Managing those demands — simplifying decisions, controlling tempo and conserving energy — may be as much a feature of playing in the heat as the physical strain itself.

— Alan McCall, New York Times, 11 July 2026
Such detailed understanding is vital for conserving threatened elasmobranchs and their habitats.

— Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of conserve

Verb

Duke then justified its presence in the ACC championship by beating Virginia 27-20 in overtime.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
But that valuation is justified given CAVA’s strong qualitative fundamentals, such as recent menu innovations and high customer loyalty, leaving the stock attractive, Morgan Stanley said.

— Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 15 July 2026

Definition of justify

Verb

The director of personal training at Chelsea Piers Fitness told Harper’s Bazaar that when used correctly, the plates can improve circulation and lymphatic flow, supporting recovery and reducing fluid buildup.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026
Today, Tejada is studying health care in college with the goal of working for an organization that supports domestic violence survivors.

— Steve Maugeri, CBS News, 14 July 2026

Definition of support

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“Maintain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maintain. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of maintain

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