Thesaurus

maintain

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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of maintain

1 to keep in good condition

he repairs and maintains antique cars as a hobby

Synonyms for maintain

Words Related to maintain

service

support,
sustain

Near Antonyms for maintain

2 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 for maintain

Words Related to maintain

Phrases Synonymous with maintain

Near Antonyms for maintain

reverse,
switch

3 to pay the living expenses of

we simply cannot afford to maintain a horse

Synonyms for maintain

Words Related to maintain

Phrases Synonymous with maintain

4 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 for maintain

Words Related to maintain

claim,
insist

convince,
persuade

5 to state as a fact usually forcefully

he maintains that there is indeed hard evidence for extraterrestrial visitors

Synonyms for maintain

Words Related to maintain

reaffirm,
reassert

Phrases Synonymous with maintain

put forth

Near Antonyms for maintain

abandon

contradict,
counter

Antonyms for maintain

deny,
gainsay

Frequently Asked Questions About maintain

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