Synonym Chooser

How is the word uphold different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of uphold are advocate, back, champion, and support. While all these words mean "to favor actively one that meets opposition," uphold implies extended support given to something attacked.

upheld the legitimacy of the military action

When is advocate a more appropriate choice than uphold?

While the synonyms advocate and uphold are close in meaning, advocate stresses urging or pleading.

advocated prison reform

When is it sensible to use back instead of uphold?

The meanings of back and uphold largely overlap; however, back suggests supporting by lending assistance to one failing or falling.

refusing to back the call for sanctions

When might champion be a better fit than uphold?

The synonyms champion and uphold are sometimes interchangeable, but champion suggests publicly defending one unjustly attacked or too weak to advocate his or her own cause.

championed the rights of children

In what contexts can support take the place of uphold?

While in some cases nearly identical to uphold, support is least explicit about the nature of the assistance given.

supports waterfront development

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 uphold Her digital footprint is growing, and so is her resolve to push platforms to uphold their policies. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 15 May 2025 Five businesses contend Trump has no authority to impose tariffs in what lawyers a 'breathtaking power grab' Justice Department lawyers say presidents have been regulating trade 'since the Nation's infancy,' and have been upheld by Congress and the courts. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 14 May 2025 Many of the judges’ questions focused on United States v. Yoshida International (1975), a federal appeals court decision which upheld a 10 percent tariff President Richard Nixon briefly imposed on nearly all foreign goods. Ian Millhiser, Vox, 13 May 2025 Haney had upheld his end of the bargain earlier on Friday, beating José Ramírez by unanimous decision. Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for uphold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for uphold
Verb
  • A day after the singer, 38, shocked fans by walking the 2025 American Music Awards red carpet with a blonde bob — a far departure from her trademark long locks — Pratt, 41, defended his wife against hate comments.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 28 May 2025
  • He’s defended cops and lawyers who’ve gotten in trouble and crafted a reputation as a pugnacious advocate for often high-profile clients in high-stakes cases.
    Dan Sullivan, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Professionals who combat stress early experience fewer health problems and sustain higher performance levels throughout their careers.
    Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • While Warner's performance in 2024 wasn't as impressive as seasons prior, the linebacker played through a broken ankle after sustaining the injury in Week 4.
    Valentina Martinez, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Removing Old or Set-in Vaseline Stains on Delicate Fabrics Cornstarch or baby powder can lift Vaseline stains from fabrics, thanks to their absorbency.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2025
  • Zeke’s mother, Courtney, explained the financial burden lifted by the Children’s Flight of Hope on her and other families.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Conclusion Federal investment in R&D has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining the United States’ technological and economic leadership.
    Natalie Madeira Cofield, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Trim trees and shrubs to give your lawn adequate sunlight, maintain a fertilization program, and water regularly and deeply.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • In 1914, thieves managed to dislodge one of the bronze children and carry it 150 feet before abandoning the 300-pound figure.
    Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2025
  • In an administration currently running the lowest early-months public opinion rating in modern history, however, Vance’s forcefulness carries long-term risk.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • The pallium, a liturgical vestment made of wool from lambs raised by Trappist monks, symbolizes the pope’s role as the shepherd of the faithful; the pope’s pallium is worn on the shoulders, fastened with three pins resembling the nails of the cross, according to the National Catholic Reporter.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
  • Smith was born and raised at Beale Air Force Base and lives in Elk Grove.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • This tactic is sometimes used to justify letting an employee go under the guise of poor performance.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • The Alien Enemies Act was written during a phony war and is now being used to justify another phony war.
    Richard Stengel, Time, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Amanda Hollins: With 15 years in law enforcement, Hollins’s vision for Kennedale includes strengthening community infrastructure, supporting local businesses, enhancing organizational efficiency, empowering future leaders, and advocating for ethical leadership.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 May 2025
  • Connecticut has a chance to show a different way – to support workers who exercise their right to organize and bargain collectively by stopping discriminatory treatment of striking workers who file for state unemployment insurance.
    Ed Hawthorne, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Uphold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uphold. Accessed 31 May. 2025.

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