maintain

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Side Sleepers generally do better with a softer to medium-firm mattress that contours to their body to relieve pressure on hips and shoulders and maintain spinal alignment. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025 Bears could starve, groups maintained, and their populations could plummet again. Christine Peterson, Vox, 27 June 2025 Which is why one of Google’s top security brains has also urged all users to stop using their passwords, which are painful to maintain and prone to phishing attacks. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025 The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for maintain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maintain
Verb
  • For Anthropic, the faster speed and lower cost of the destructive process appear to have trumped any need for preserving the physical books themselves.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025
  • That principle has served the UK’s economy and culture for over 300 years, evolving through numerous updates, including international agreements, and adapting to new technologies while preserving its core spirit.
    Virginie Berger, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • James Hurley gives a moving performance at the Road House outside of Twin Peaks, and learns of an unusual vision experienced by his cockney co-worker at Great Northern security, Freddie, who will defend James from the attack of a jealous husband with a most unusual strength-enhancing glove.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
  • The administration continues to defend its use of tariffs by arguing that emergency powers give the president the authority to regulate imports during national emergencies, and officials have argued that the country's trade deficit qualifies as a national emergency.
    Peter Aitken Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Lorde keeps it casual in New York as she is seen outside of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on June 24.
    Grace Harrington, People.com, 27 June 2025
  • Given this preference, dealers can stock up on expensive models while keeping a low supply of cheaper models, as with the Maverick.
    Mark Dent, HubSpot, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Democrats, led by Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, had argued that in recent decades Congress gradually surrendered war-making powers to the president.
    Robert Jimison, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Justice Amy Coney Barrett argued only the Supreme Court can provide such universal relief.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • In a parallel overreach—one that could bankrupt him—George insists on trying to build a cross-country railroad during an economic downturn.
    Judy Berman, Time, 20 June 2025
  • Calderon maintained his innocence, insisting his positive result had been the result of cross-contamination.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Or perhaps, given his age and the need to conserve his minutes somewhat during the regular season, the Leafs could opt to use him in a more depth role.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • This method not only produces high-quality buds but also improves soil health, conserves water, and sequesters carbon in the process.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • This pattern suggests potential sensitivity to macroeconomic shocks. LLY Valuation Sensitivity: The company’s elevated multiple, while justified by growth prospects, creates vulnerability to any disappointment in execution or market sentiment shifts.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • In the show’s April 15 premiere, Jax strives to justify his actions in a confessional interview.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Meta supports federal legislation that requires app stores to get parental approval whenever a teen under 16 downloads an app.
    Charlotte Alter, Time, 18 June 2025
  • Because social engineering and human error are such significant threat vectors, equipping your teams with robust processes and skills to effectively manage database risks can also support a strong security posture.
    Jakub Lamik, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Maintain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maintain. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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