UPHOLDS Synonyms: 94 Similar and Opposite Words

upholds

verb

present tense third-person singular of uphold

as in defends

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

as in sustains

to hold up or serve as a foundation for an entablature upheld by a series of gracefully slender columns

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in lifts

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

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 upholds If the District Court upholds the denial, your application is considered exhausted. — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 21 July 2026 For many, this new-build option upholds preferential aesthetics while satisfying practical needs and eliminating restoration headaches. — Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 20 July 2026 The ruling essentially upholds similar bans enacted in 25 other states. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 The ruling upholds laws in 30 states that allow at least some ballots to arrive after Election Day, including ballots from military voters and Americans who live overseas. — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 The ruling upholds Illinois law, which allows mail-in ballots postmarked — or personally attested to — by Election Day to be counted up to two weeks afterward. — Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 One ruling upholds a landmark case dealing with press freedom. — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 29 June 2026 God, divine Love, upholds what is just, right, and spiritually true for all. — Liesl Ehmke, Christian Science Monitor, 29 June 2026 Thrash, whose latest project is a benefit gala at the Palace of Versailles planned for June 8, upholds a long tradition of American philanthropy in support of French cultural institutions. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for upholds

Verb

Sánchez defends court ruling EU leaders quickly pounced on Sánchez once videos from Ceuta went viral.

— Sam McNeil, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Joseph left the agency last spring and now works as senior policy counsel at the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies, an advocacy and legal group that defends refugee rights.

— Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 30 July 2026

Definition of defends

Verb

Microsoft’s stock climbed close to 15% after its earnings, which Cohan attributes to revenue growth that justifies its AI infrastructure spending and is bringing it more business.

— Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
For companies looking to recover duties already paid, Sharad said the first step is determining who served as the importer of record and whether the potential refund justifies the administrative effort.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of justifies

Verb

Cut-flower food also prevents bacteria in the vase’s water and maintains the pH level to reduce water bubbles that can clog stems.

— Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2026
Many of their efforts end up falling short, but the show maintains a positive note.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of maintains

Verb

The Cherry Creek Arch Bridge carries State Highway 83 through the canyon, linking communities from Parker to Colorado Springs.

— Karen Leigh, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Felix Jimenez, 38, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a charge that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, but can be up to 40 years, according to federal authorities.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2026