1
as in to preserve
to keep in good condition
he repairs and maintains antique cars as a hobby
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to keep
to pay the living expenses of
we simply cannot afford to maintain a horse
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to insist
to state as a fact usually forcefully
he maintains that there is indeed hard evidence for extraterrestrial visitors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
One of the main reasons people lie—especially women—is to maintain cohesion in important relationships.
—
Angela Haupt, Time, 9 July 2025
One of Swarbrick’s final maneuvers as athletic director before stepping down was renewing the NBC contract through the 2029 season, believed to be lucrative enough to maintain Notre Dame’s independence.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 9 July 2025
The pilot struggled to maintain the plane on a heading and climb, a preliminary report said.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
While relationships — particularly those with elements of the fanbase — were fractured by the time of Messi’s departure in the summer of 2025, sources close to the French club — who will remain anonymous to protect relationships — maintain there are no regrets over his signing.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for maintain
Angela Haupt, Time, 9 July 2025
One of Swarbrick’s final maneuvers as athletic director before stepping down was renewing the NBC contract through the 2029 season, believed to be lucrative enough to maintain Notre Dame’s independence.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 9 July 2025
The pilot struggled to maintain the plane on a heading and climb, a preliminary report said.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
While relationships — particularly those with elements of the fanbase — were fractured by the time of Messi’s departure in the summer of 2025, sources close to the French club — who will remain anonymous to protect relationships — maintain there are no regrets over his signing.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for maintain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maintain
Verb
-
Effective legislation can preserve local control and ensure rigorous design standards, while also making sure that housing is built where it’s needed most.—
Laura Friedman,
Oc Register,
7 July 2025
-
The difference could confuse beneficiaries, according to National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, a non-profit advocating to preserve and strengthen Social Security and Medicare.—
Alicia Adamczyk,
Fortune,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
The medium-to-long-range layer, David’s Sling, has replaced Patriot batteries supplied by the United States, defending against both aircraft, cruise missiles, and short-range ballistic missiles using a missile called Stunner.—
Sebastien Roblin,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Thanks to the oceans on either side of us, the frozen wasteland to the north, and a gentle behemoth to the south, no one thought much about having to defend our borders.—
Stephen Marche,
The Atlantic,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
Discover easy meal prep strategies, nutritious grab-and-go options, and time-saving hacks to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.—
Essence,
Essence,
10 July 2025
-
Something that will keep you cool, while offering a modicum of protection from any sinister objects lurking in your path.—
Olivia Allen,
Vogue,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
Critics have argued that families in poverty have more immediate needs and that their children should receive a larger endowment if the goal is to help level the playing field.—
MORIAH BALINGIT,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
-
Critics argue the language is misleading and written in a way to entice voters.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
First, Disney insists on direct senior leadership involvement, recognizing that executives must work alongside their teams to separate genuine AI capabilities from marketing hype.—
Maribel Lopez,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Immediately after his death, Knight says Afeni, who died at age 60 in May 2016, turned to him and insisted her son be cremated, right then and there.—
Danielle Bacher,
People.com,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
Without an economic reason to sustain wildlife populations, they won’t be conserved long-term through benevolence alone.—
Chris Dorsey,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
Keep up with watering and mulch to help conserve moisture.—
Janet B. Carson,
Arkansas Online,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
If the Tripadvisor business was the company’s only segment, this valuation could be justified.—
Kenneth Squire,
CNBC,
12 July 2025
-
What event could possibly justify closing a major highway for days on end?—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
Editor's note: Travel and accommodations for this article were partially supported by Tourism New Brunswick.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
12 July 2025
-
At the same time, as AI becomes more advanced and companies begin to more deeply integrate the technology into their operations, costs should start to come down, supporting profit margin expansion.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Maintain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maintain. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share