Synonyms of maintain

maintain

verb

mān-ˈtān 

1

as in to preserve

to keep in good condition

he repairs and maintains antique cars as a hobby

Synonyms & Similar Words

• preserve
• conserve
• save
• protect
• defend
• restore
• keep up
• sustain
• safeguard
• manage
• rebuild
• guard
• service
• support
• husband
• rehabilitate
• reconstruct
• shield
• care (for)
• cure
• heal
• remedy
• patch
• fix
• rejuvenate
• screen
• mend

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• disregard
• destroy
• neglect
• break
• hurt
• impair
• injure
• ruin
• harm
• damage
• wreck

2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• defend
• justify
• uphold
• support
• assert
• advocate
• affirm
• stick up for
• stand up for
• confirm
• proclaim
• discuss
• insist
• vindicate
• emphasize
• plead
• contend
• state
• espouse
• argue
• claim
• profess
• champion
• warrant
• aver
• protest
• underline
• debate
• underscore
• avow
• stress
• avouch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• withdraw
• abandon
• forsake
• take back
• retract
• reverse
• switch
• abjure
• recant
• refute
• disprove
• rebut
• controvert

3

as in to keep

to pay the living expenses of

we simply cannot afford to maintain a horse

Synonyms & Similar Words

• keep
• support
• provide (for)
• take care of
• fund
• underwrite
• finance
• foot the bill (for)
• sponsor
• patronize
• stake
• set up

4

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• argue
• contend
• reason
• assert
• plead
• convince
• insist
• justify
• explain
• persuade
• claim
• mention
• suggest
• enforce
• defend
• consider
• affirm
• cite
• propose
• offer
• submit
• urge
• give
• advise
• recommend
• discuss
• advocate
• advance
• support
• adduce
• counsel
• rationalize
• aver
• refute
• disprove
• counter
• avow
• rebut
• espouse
• champion
• debate
• avouch
• confute

5

as in to insist

to state as a fact usually forcefully

he maintains that there is indeed hard evidence for extraterrestrial visitors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• insist
• allege
• claim
• assert
• contend
• declare
• affirm
• announce
• profess
• argue
• protest
• proclaim
• put forth
• defend
• purport
• aver
• warrant
• confirm
• avow
• justify
• reason
• uphold
• avouch
• rationalize
• broadcast
• vindicate
• reassert
• persevere
• reaffirm
• support

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deny
• abandon
• reject
• negate
• negative
• challenge
• repudiate
• disclaim
• gainsay
• question
• disprove
• refute
• disavow
• dispute
• contradict
• counter
• rebut
• disown
• confute

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

Recent Examples of maintain

Moderate growth to outpace inflation in order to maintain purchasing power over a potential life expectancy of 20-30+ years. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

The group has maintained a devout following of millions of fans for over 40 years, and their most recent album, The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead! debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s 200 Albums chart back in 2022. —Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025

Regardless, the new system is easier to maintain because of its inherent design. —Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Turn down heat in Dutch oven to medium-low to maintain a simmer; cover with a lid (leaving a crack for steam), and cook until potatoes are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. —John T. Edge, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025