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 The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld that ruling a year later but also ruled that Lanier could sue over the emotional distress caused by Harvard’s promotional use of the photos. News Desk, Artforum, 29 May 2025 In upholding the district court’s ruling against Jackson, Ross explained that the purpose of MUIFSA is to capture a uniform act (the UIFSA) that has been adopted in all 50 states and unifies state laws related to enforcement of child support orders. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 May 2025 Long revered for its vibrant weaving traditions, Guatemala is home to centuries-old textile practices upheld by Indigenous Maya communities. Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 28 May 2025 After facing legal challenges, a revised version of the ban was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 17 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
  • Rubio strongly defended free speech on campuses in 2023.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Foundations and individuals that once focused solely on infrastructure or scholarship are now looking to sustain the principles that make education possible: academic freedom, equal access, and legal independence.
    Michelle Mbekeani, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • The Waterbury Police Department responded to a report of a fight involving a group of men in the road in the 600 block of South Main Street shortly after 9 p.m. Two male victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Then Ottawa’s Rebecca Leslie lifted a puck from Frost defender Maggie Flaherty behind the net, and Jocelyne Larocque slipped a low shot past Rooney to give the Charge the late lead.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 23 May 2025
  • The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle lifted off from a launch pad on the southeastern coast of India early Sunday, local time, with a radar reconnaissance satellite named EOS-09, or RISAT-1B.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Playing in the first group, Wong birdied the second hole and made up for his lone mistake (a bogey on No. 3) with birdies at seven and 11 to maintain a slim lead.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
  • The narrative that recycling can meaningfully counteract the plastic crisis was constructed by the oil and gas industry to maintain public demand for plastic and delay regulation of its production.
    Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 May 2025
  • Grand theft is a felony that can carry a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
    Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Fisher Scientific withdrew its full-year profit forecast while the medical equipment maker expects to take a $400 million hit in sales to China, as Trump’s tariffs would likely raise the cost of parts the company sources in China.
    Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • The property is complete with a seating area, plunge pool, raised beds, and a greenhouse workout facility.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 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
  • By confusing the idea that the people’s will must prevail with what the law actually says, these leaders justify intimidating judges and their sound legal rulings, a move that ultimately undermines democracy.
    Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • But Andrea Jenkins, who represents the area and supports the city's plan, said residents around the square want vehicle traffic.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Uphold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/uphold. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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