Synonyms of upheld

upheld 1 of 2

adjective

as in uplifted

Related Words

• uplifted
• raised
• upraised
• overhead
• ascendant
• soaring
• overlooking
• ascending
• upper
• uppermost
• upward
• topmost
• elevated
• upmost
• high
• airy
• nosebleed

Dissimilar Words

• dropped
• low
• lowered
• grounded
• fallen
• descending
• down
• depressed
• sunken
• low-lying
• lowermost
• level
• even
• descendant
• undermost
• nethermost
• abreast

upheld

2 of 2

verb

past tense of uphold

1

as in defended

to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections

determined to uphold her views in the face of all challenges

Synonyms & Similar Words

• defended
• justified
• maintained
• supported
• affirmed
• advocated
• asserted
• proclaimed
• confirmed
• stuck up for
• discussed
• championed
• stood up for
• stated
• vindicated
• insisted
• argued
• pleaded
• contended
• espoused
• emphasized
• protested
• claimed
• averred
• professed
• debated
• warranted
• underscored
• underlined
• avowed
• stressed
• avouched

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• abandoned
• withdrew
• reversed
• retracted
• forsook
• switched
• recanted
• took back
• refuted
• abjured
• rebutted
• disproved
• controverted

2

as in sustained

to hold up or serve as a foundation for

an entablature upheld by a series of gracefully slender columns

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sustained
• carried
• bolstered
• supported
• stayed
• buttressed
• braced
• underpinned
• propped (up)
• bore
• undergirded
• steadied
• trussed
• shored (up)
• underlay

3

as in lifted

to move from a lower to a higher place or position

worshippers upheld their joined hands and sang the praises of the Lord

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lifted
• raised
• elevated
• hoisted
• uplifted
• heightened
• boosted
• heaved
• hiked
• took up
• upped
• picked up
• mounted
• upraised
• ascended
• rose
• hefted
• perked (up)
• craned
• jacked (up)
• reared
• upended

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dropped
• lowered
• fell
• slipped
• pushed
• descended
• pressed
• bore
• plunged
• dipped
• pitched
• depressed
• sank
• submerged

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of upheld

Adjective

In the accompanying photo, Fleetwood and his new bride, Elizabeth Jordan lean into one another, cheekily posing behind Fleetwood's upheld fedora. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026

Guest conductor Edward Gardner, principal conductor of the London Philharmonic, was obviously frustrated when even his upheld hands couldn’t stop the applause. — Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 2026

Verb

The 1st Circuit also had upheld a previous hold Talwani placed on the executive order. — Nicholas Riccardi, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026

Katz was part of the Connecticut Supreme Court panel that reviewed and upheld Carpenter’s conviction in 2005. — Greg Smith, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026

But in August, a Jackson County judge upheld Shurin’s order that Biscari get his job back, receive full back wages and benefits and serve a three-day suspension without pay. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026

Larry and Dannielynn have upheld their Kentucky Derby tradition and attend yearly. — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2026

The outfit matched the pale yellow of the venue but upheld the Hermès aesthetic of discreet, horsey timelessness. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling dismissing residents’ 2022 lawsuit. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

The Civilian Oversight Commission has said that such assertions are unfounded, and that state law and court precedent require its subpoenas to be upheld. — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026

In response to the incident, Ruth said the department has initiated an internal investigation to ensure polices are upheld. — Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2026