Synonyms of hold
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as in to grip 
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as in to keep
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as in to think
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as in to contain
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as in to have
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as in to retain
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as in to accommodate
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as in to grasp
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as in to consider
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as in to regulate
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as in to aim
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as in grip
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as in stronghold
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as in sway
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as in contact
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as in jail
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as in understanding
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as in imprisonment
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1
as in to grip
to have or keep in one's hands
this casserole dish is too hot to hold, so grab a potholder
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2
as in to keep
to continue to have in one's possession or power
she, and she alone, held the keys to the mysterious chest
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3
as in to think
to have as an opinion
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal"
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5
as in to have
to keep in one's mind or heart
still held her close to his heart, though they had long parted
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6
as in to retain
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
the same family has held this piece of land for over 100 years
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as in to grasp
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms
please hold my arm on these slippery stairs
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as in to regulate
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
we managed to hold our laughter until we got outside hold your temper until you hear the whole story
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11
as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal
held the camera on the actor throughout the scene
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1
as in grip
the act or manner of holding
make sure you have a firm hold on the chain saw before you turn it on
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2
as in stronghold
a structure or place from which one can resist attack
the ruins of an ancient Roman hold
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3
as in sway
the right or means to command or control others
the government has no hold over where we live and work
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4
as in contact
the state or fact of being able to exchange information regarding one's current situation
I worry that I won't be able to get hold of you in an emergency
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5
as in jail
a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody
upon hearing the guilty verdict, the accused realized that he would lie in that godforsaken hold for the remainder of his life
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6
as in understanding
the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something
I need to get hold of the situation before planning a course of action
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7
as in imprisonment
the state of being held in lawful custody
a suspected terrorist who was abducted at an airport and put in hold at an undisclosed location
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of hold
Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2025
The show will be held Wednesday (July 16) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Nwigwe, joined by David Michael Wyatt, is set to perform the In Memoriam tribute.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 14 July 2025
Pia Singh, CNBC, 13 July 2025
So right now, the birthright citizenship executive order is on hold.
—Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold
Verb
For years, top Trumpworld figures, some of whom currently hold top administration posts, and even the president himself, speculated about Epstein’s death and his alleged blackmail operation.
—Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2025
The show will be held Wednesday (July 16) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Nwigwe, joined by David Michael Wyatt, is set to perform the In Memoriam tribute.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 14 July 2025
Noun
But out of the 26 analysts, 18 have a hold rating on shares while three have an underperform rating.
—Pia Singh, CNBC, 13 July 2025
So right now, the birthright citizenship executive order is on hold.
—Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold
Verb
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The case gripped Australia The bizarre and tragic case has lingered in the minds of Australians and has provoked fervor among the public and media.—
Charlotte Graham-McLay,
Los Angeles Times,
7 July 2025
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When your hands are covered in flour, holding a paintbrush, or gripping a climbing wall, your phone is simply unavailable.—
Marina Cooley,
CNBC,
5 July 2025
Verb
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Discover easy meal prep strategies, nutritious grab-and-go options, and time-saving hacks to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.—
Essence,
Essence,
10 July 2025
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Something that will keep you cool, while offering a modicum of protection from any sinister objects lurking in your path.—
Olivia Allen,
Vogue,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Democrats still bemoan Ralph Nader’s presence on ballots in 2000, although the analysis that the consumer-safety zealot cost Al Gore the presidency is less clear-cut than many of them think.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
7 July 2025
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In dialogue with feminist visual traditions—think Jo Spence and Ana Mendieta—Brontē’s project carves its own terrain.—
Alessia Glaviano,
Vogue,
7 July 2025
Verb
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The memo also contains a link to about 11 hours of footage of Epstein in his cell released as proof of his suicide—which quickly faced more scrutiny after viewers realized about a minute of footage was missing.—
Alison Durkee,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
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But the binders contained information that had largely already been in the public domain.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
13 July 2025
Verb
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Vientos was in the lineup Friday hitting fifth against right-hander Michael Wacha, who has neutral splits against righties and lefties.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
12 July 2025
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Before the death at the house, Snow Angels had nearly no citations or issues with the state Department of Social Services, according to the business’ licensing file reviewed by the Union-Tribune.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Cops don't have to disclose when AI is used in every department, and Draft One does not save drafts or retain a record showing which parts of reports are AI-generated.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
10 July 2025
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These things can be weathered so long as Americans retain our reverence for freedom of speech.—
Bruce Yandle,
Twin Cities,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Instead, this bamboo foldable drying rack neatly folds out and can accommodate a full load of clothes.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
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Its Bowery store is its largest at 3,000 square feet, accommodating about 45 people inside and 20 people outside.—
Gary Stern,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
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To harvest, grasp a cherry with your fingers and pull it free from the tree with a gentle, twisting motion.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
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The boy, too young to grasp the danger, was playing and laughing; a fleeting moment of innocence, juxtaposed against the backdrop of war.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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