1
as in defending
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sustaining
to hold up or serve as a foundation for
an entablature upheld by a series of gracefully slender columns
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in lifting
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in respect
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 upholding
Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 8 Sep. 2025
Myles Graham, Aaron Chiles and Jaden Robinson struggled to balance spying the mobile USF signal caller with upholding UF’s zone coverage on crossing routes.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
This investigation is focused on ensuring accountability for those who violate the law and upholding the rule of law.
—Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025
The justices came to the opposite conclusion in 2015 when upholding restrictions on the design of specialty license plates, which support a cause or organization.
—Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025
The justices came to the opposite conclusion in 2015 when upholding restrictions on the design of specialty license plates, which support a cause or organization.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2025
When a handful of activists tried to turn the protests more directly against the Ukrainian leadership, others quickly intervened to steer the message back to upholding the integrity of state institutions.
—Nataliya Gumenyuk, Foreign Affairs, 29 Aug. 2025
On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court reviewed Raftery’s appeal and agreed, upholding those prior rulings.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 7 Aug. 2025
In upholding DeSantis’ 2022 map, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that the federal rule against racial gerrymandering had sway over the state’s Fair Districts amendments’ non-diminishment clause about protecting minority districts.
—Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
The administration contends the law is unconstitutional, asserting an expansive view of presidential power that could prompt the Supreme Court to overturn what remains of its 90-year-old precedent upholding such removal protections.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 8 Sep. 2025
Myles Graham, Aaron Chiles and Jaden Robinson struggled to balance spying the mobile USF signal caller with upholding UF’s zone coverage on crossing routes.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
This investigation is focused on ensuring accountability for those who violate the law and upholding the rule of law.
—Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025
The justices came to the opposite conclusion in 2015 when upholding restrictions on the design of specialty license plates, which support a cause or organization.
—Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025
The justices came to the opposite conclusion in 2015 when upholding restrictions on the design of specialty license plates, which support a cause or organization.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2025
When a handful of activists tried to turn the protests more directly against the Ukrainian leadership, others quickly intervened to steer the message back to upholding the integrity of state institutions.
—Nataliya Gumenyuk, Foreign Affairs, 29 Aug. 2025
On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court reviewed Raftery’s appeal and agreed, upholding those prior rulings.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 7 Aug. 2025
In upholding DeSantis’ 2022 map, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that the federal rule against racial gerrymandering had sway over the state’s Fair Districts amendments’ non-diminishment clause about protecting minority districts.
—Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upholding
Verb
-
Soliman was called to an asylum hearing in February, a month into the new administration, for a last shot at defending his eligibility.—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Those included defending Novo's leadership in diabetes and obesity treatment, fostering a high performance culture and realigning the company's cost base and driving efficiencies.—
Karen Gilchrist,Katrina Bishop,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Gayot has been a key player in restoring a level of quality to the collection and developing a fresh look to the brand, a balance that’s cool and modern while sustaining the heritage and classic American appeal.—
WWD Staff,
Footwear News,
8 Sep. 2025
-
If the Kingdom locks those reforms in while sustaining a realistic pace on its mega-projects and widening space for constructive debate, the payoff will extend far beyond its borders to a more stable and economically productive Arab region better able to compete in the world.—
Ali Shihabi,
Time,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Apart from lifting the ban on social media, the protesters’ other demands included that the Prime Minister resign and that Nepal establish an independent watchdog body similar to an ombudsman to monitor corruption.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Nuno will be replaced by Ange Postecoglou, who was relieved of his duties by Tottenham Hotspur in June, just weeks after ending the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy by lifting the Europa League.—
Dan Cancian,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Every caregiver deserves respect and freedom from judgment.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Balancing Authenticity And Messaging Discipline At FDH Aero, our values—service first, respect, amplification, open-mindedness and accountability—aren’t just wall art.—
Heather Rosenow,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Best known for its $48 Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, the brand has swiftly become a Gen Alpha favorite all while maintaining the loyalty of its longtime Gen Z and Millennial fan bases.—
WWD Staff,
Footwear News,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The nonprofit is a neutral, global collaboration platform for developing and maintaining its own standards, such as DPP.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Raki McGregor, who also serves as the board chair of Mecklenburg County’s workforce development board Charlotte Works, recently made waves by publicly supporting candidates for CMS school board before his tenure as a CMS consultant was up.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Among the supporting evidence filed by the government are three academic reports by scholars with deep knowledge of Islamic charities in Egypt.—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Among them were countless era-defining releases that are still among the best movies ever made—of any genre—from the haunting Rebecca to the gripping Rear Window, and the ravishing Vertigo to the hair-raising Psycho.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
13 Sep. 2025
-
There were times when raising kids, building careers, and paying bills felt overwhelming.—
Allen Buchanan,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The central factor is the growing power asymmetry between China and India, and Beijing demanding deference within Asia—a hierarchy India resists.—
Shyam Saran,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Owners and teams contractually assent to the league and commissioner having final, binding and conclusive authority, meaning courts would give the league sizable deference.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Upholding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upholding. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share