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 Early centrifuge tests proved that even short periods of artificial gravity can help maintain muscle tone and bone density. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025 Despite the United States levying double-digit duties not seen in nearly a century, global trade is maintaining its strength. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 16 Oct. 2025 In a statement, Dan Russo, Bilodeau's attorney, said his client maintains his innocence. Melina Khan, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025 As the film progresses and the characters unravel, Piersanti worked to make their appearances become less and less polished, while maintaining the structured vision. Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 16 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, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Meat that's been smoked, grilled, charcoaled, or preserved with salt may lead to gene mutations and precancerous changes in the stomach.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • However, the time some birds took reacting to the sudden darkness could have been spent foraging for food, searching for mates or defending their territory, Aguilar said.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Schematically, Denver did a lot of stunting, tried out some zone looks and defended the ball more aggressively.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Individual bulbs need to be spaced at least an inch apart, so keep that in mind when choosing the width of your container.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Such pleasurable pains, at their most chronic, or their most carnal, can keep Lang occupied for the length of a stanza.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Though the resentencing hearing would still proceed, Hochman’s office would argue against it in court.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The weapon system would allow Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory and put the sort of pressure on Putin that Zelenskyy argues is needed to get the Russians to seriously engage in peace talks.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Though the industry is bracing for an EV sales slump, GM's leaders insist that investing deeply and early in a broad range of electric offerings was not a mistake.
    Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The Republican speaker insists his party has been willing to discuss the health care issue with Democrats this fall, before the subsidies expire at the end of the year.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When asked about Roberts’ suggestion that Ohtani’s at-bats were shorter on his pitching days to conserve energy, his response was brief.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The system's purpose is to prevent structural tilt and conserve water in clay-rich areas.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ayton doesn’t have to reach the stardom that people once heaped upon him to justify the Lakers’ signing.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The president has cited protests outside Portland’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility to justify the callups of troops in the deep blue city.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Then layer the bulbs as described above, tossing organic fertilizer into the bottom of each layer to support root growth.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Survivors were referred to support services provided by agencies such as Health and Human Services to ensure long-term care and protection.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Maintain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maintain. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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