maintain

1
2
3
as in to keep
to pay the living expenses of we simply cannot afford to maintain a horse

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5

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 Advertisement Although a senior member of Fatah—the secular nationalist party that dominates the Palestinian Authority—Barghouti has maintained good relations with Hamas, the Islamist militant group that controls Gaza. Karl Vick, Time, 23 Oct. 2025 Bearing witness, then and now Phipps said NorCal Resist’s Court Watch volunteers have documented dozens of arrests of immigrants, people detained while attempting to maintain their place in line. Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2025 Garcia-Roves maintains that no expansions have taken place. Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025 Delicate fabrics like silk, satin, bamboo, and Tencel or dark fabrics can be damaged or fade in hot water, and cold water is the best way to maintain their quality. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for maintain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maintain
Verb
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Concerted efforts to preserve the area's rich natural history didn't take millions of the years, but the work took decades to finish due to the sheer amount of funding and site planning needed.
    Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Taibleson defended her conservative credentials during her confirmation hearing, and both Democratic and Republican senators derided the opposition campaign.
    Lawrence Andrea, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Fast forward to Monday, and – after a 3-2 defeat to Brentford – Liverpool has now lost four straight games in the Premier League, just the fourth time in history that a defending champion has gone on such a poor run of form, per Opta.
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • These price adjustments are meant to keep deliveries moving smoothly during the high-volume months of November and December.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Or, keep scrolling to see other stylish toiletry bags available from Quince.
    Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If the current fiscal package is estimated to not only cover its costs but grow the economy too, the path is justified, argued Zandi.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The company and store owners sued, arguing players could use an optional preview feature, removing the element of chance.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Dylan insisted that the film needed every frame.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Still, his wife insisted that his refusal felt like a breach of trust.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Biologists believe reptiles evolved this unique system as a way to conserve water, but have long wondered how the urates don’t ultimately end up harming the animals.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025
  • To help conserve the population, do not attempt to collect any of the beetles to take home with you.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • A little goes a long way, which makes the above-average price point easier to justify.
    Taylor Rock, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
  • And as obesity rates among American continue to rank far higher than those of other countries, the survey says this could help justify policy and coverage gains.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have supported his campaign for months including before the Democratic primary in June.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • In the document, Steffen, who has long pushed for the closure of Green Bay correctional, asked the Building Commission members to support Evers' plan and start the planning process.
    Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maintain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maintain. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on maintain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!