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 next

as in to preserve

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

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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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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 Establishing our own public safety departments allows Deerfield Beach to attract, retain and train personnel who reflect our community’s values and priorities while maintaining control over our long-term financial future. —

Michael Hudak, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026 The director is maintaining creative control during the development phase before bringing in studio partners. —

Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026 The Observer maintains full editorial control of its journalism. —

Patricia Ortiz, Charlotte Observer, 27 Jan. 2026 Nineteen out of 20 economists in a Bloomberg survey forecast the Monetary Authority of Singapore will maintain its policy settings Thursday. —

Swati Pandey, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maintain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for maintain

Verb

As a recent Forbes analysis on AI and internal controls underscores, when technology reshapes how money moves, CFOs become responsible not just for managing risk, but for preserving the control structures that protect enterprise value.

— Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Jan. 2026

Definition of preserve

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“Maintain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maintain. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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Last Updated: 30 Jan 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of maintain

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