MAINTAINER 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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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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

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Recent Examples of maintain Among the priorities Johnson cited as part of her bid for sheriff are maintaining jail conditions and continuing the county’s reentry and rehabilitation efforts, as well as looking at recruitment and retention practices for employees in the office. —

Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026 The couple has maintained a notably private family life, a choice that stands out given Black’s larger-than-life public persona. —

Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 24 Feb. 2026 Today, Boca Raton’s municipal operations are spread across outdated buildings that are costly to maintain, inefficient for employees and inconvenient for residents. —

Troy McLellan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026 Willie co-owned two restaurants and maintained that life was too short to have a single meal that wasn’t festive. —

Annabelle Gurwitch, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 2026 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, 19 Feb. 2026
If granted monument status, the restaurant’s building could see delays in any efforts to demolish or significantly alter the site in order to preserve the building’s original state for its historical significance.

— Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026