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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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 English Heritage, the independent charity that maintains the vast National Heritage Collection, has appointed Tim Reeve as its new Chief Executive. — News Desk, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026 In his note to staff, Pichai maintained that Google had the talent, compute, and distribution to compete. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026 The lawsuits will allege defendants failed to properly test and maintain cooling towers, including at Harlem Hospital. — Katie Houlis, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 The long-time TV veteran maintained a recurring part as dominatrix Lady Heather in six episodes of CSI from 2001 to 2011 and later booked another meaty antagonistic role on Nikita. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maintain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for maintain

Verb

Mandarin Oriental’s arrival in 2006 protected and restored the interiors, while consulting with Conservation Authority archaeologists to preserve any historic findings.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
The superstar has collected contemporary art for most of his adult life, but his passion is for preserving the work of Black artists.

— Jewel Wicker, Architectural Digest, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of preserve

Verb

Kilaru and Kessler are now working together to defend one client while simultaneously opposing each other in ongoing litigation over the House settlement.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Today’s Four Questions interviewee is Bowdon coach Jamie Abrams, whose team is the defending Class A Division II champion.

— Jack Leo, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of defend

Verb

This keeps the area sanitized and removes any mold or allergens that can become a problem if they’re left untouched.

— Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026
To avoid this, sow dwarf crepe myrtles at least 4 to 6 feet apart, space standard-sized trees at least 8 feet from each other, and keep crepe myrtles of any size at least 3 feet away from fencing.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of keep

Verb

That’s why the oil market may be underpricing that risk, argued Tompkins.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
The more pragmatic camp argues that maintaining unity during the war requires addressing the public's unhappiness over the economy as well as political and social repression.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of argue

Verb

Rignol has spent over a year in court insisting that Yale used the wrong tools, followed the wrong procedures, asked for the wrong file, and reached the wrong conclusions.

— Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026
Supporters insist their measure is nonpartisan, noting that Democratic lawmakers also tried to restrict citizen initiatives before Republicans gained control of the Capitol.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026

Definition of insist

Verb

Israel’s defense minister has justified the destruction as a strategic decision to remove any threat of Hezbollah.

— Ava Bambuck, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
However, with virtually the same design and battery life as its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 9 doesn't offer enough meaningful improvements to justify its higher starting price.

— Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of justify

Verb

Stefan Rittner, senior portfolio manager at Allianz Global Investors, said markets were more likely to accept measures that improve productivity, labor supply and long-term growth than spending aimed mainly at supporting consumption.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
Reuters — Japan’s government is portraying its accelerating military buildup not only as a way to protect the country but as a route to greater prosperity, arguing in ‌its latest defence white paper that arms production can support economic growth.

— Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of support

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“Maintain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maintain. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of maintain

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