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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to keep

to pay the living expenses of we simply cannot afford to maintain a horse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

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 These constraints have driven the development of highly efficient, portable and data-driven approaches to monitoring and maintaining human health. —

Shelli Brunswick, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Can that gratification be found in supporting and maintaining an edifice that has been erected by others? —

Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 Regular participation can improve cardiovascular health by helping lowering blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and maintain a lower resting heart rate. —

Kaitlyn Harvey, AJC.com, 23 June 2026 Eucalyptus can be maintained as a shrub or tree and survive for centuries in a mild climate. —

Steve Bender, Southern Living, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for maintain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for maintain

Verb

Developers will preserve about 1,200 acres and plan 26 miles of trails, with portions in the Hickory Creek area.

— Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026
Georgia Tech officials said preserving capacity while modernizing the fan experience was a key goal of the project.

— CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 24 June 2026

Definition of preserve

Verb

Following their arrival, word spread among law enforcement at Kansas City Stadium (aka Arrowhead) that the King and Queen were en route — and the path to the VVIP (yes, very very) entrance was cleared by FBI officials, who kept fans away from the area.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026
Not surprisingly, the number keeps rising.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 21 June 2026

Definition of keep

Verb

Srebnick, however, argued that the crash was a tragic accident — and did not amount to a crime.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026
While some experts say the government should be involved in conversations about AI safety, others argue the result could stifle the industry.

— Helen Regan, CNN Money, 23 June 2026

Definition of argue

Verb

Iran’s leaders insist the country’s nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.

— Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
The thread running through all of these is the same worry, that decisions which used to be made by people who could be questioned are now made by systems that cannot, unless someone insists they be opened up.

— Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026

Definition of insist

Verb

Officials advised people to try conserving as much power as possible when the service was on, use surge protectors for valuable electronics, prepare emergency kits in the event of a fire and keep their refrigerators or freezers closed.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 27 June 2026
The Deschutes, like rivers across the country, is owned by the public, and taxpayers are spending big to conserve it.

— Emily Cureton Cook, ProPublica, 26 June 2026

Definition of conserve

Verb

This looser-fitting top sits right at the waistband and is made of a durable nylon and elastane blend that resists wear and tear (justifying the price point).

— Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026
Whatever happens for the remainder of this World Cup cannot be used to justify a system that has nothing to do with development, or kids playing sports.

— Mac Engel June 22, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026

Definition of justify

Verb

The organization is seeking investors willing to accept modest returns in exchange for preserving historic buildings, supporting local businesses and maintaining the character of West Marin communities.

— Kenny Choi, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Clear expectations help everyone support your goals.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2026