hold 1 of 2

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as in to contain
to have within the mysterious chest held an ancient book on magic spells and potions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to accommodate
to make or have room for the couple needed to rent a hall that would hold 300 people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal held the camera on the actor throughout the scene

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hold

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noun

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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

The words accommodate and contain are common synonyms of hold. While all three words mean "to have or be capable of having within," hold implies the capacity of containing or the usual or permanent function of containing or keeping.

the bookcase will hold all my textbooks

When is it sensible to use accommodate instead of hold?

The words accommodate and hold are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, accommodate stresses holding without crowding or inconvenience.

the hall can accommodate 500 people

When would contain be a good substitute for hold?

While the synonyms contain and hold are close in meaning, contain implies the actual presence of a specified substance or quantity within something.

the can contains a quart of oil

Examples 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 hold
Verb
Families of hostages and supporters have held mass demonstrations for months, and diplomats have reported progress in the indirect talks. Wafaa Shurafa and Majdi Mohammed, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024 Drawings are held three times per week at approximately 10:59 p.m. ET every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Dec. 2024
Noun
So in 2014, the singer put her career on hold to care for Angélil, who stepped down from his longtime post as her manager that June. 14 of 20 Celine Dion Speaks About Caring for Her Husband In August 2015, the singer resumed her residency at Caesars Palace. Diana Pearl, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024 Nearby schools, hospitals respond after shooting According to the Madison Metropolitan School District, La Follette High School and Sennett Middle School are on secure hold due to the shooting. Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hold 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold
Verb
  • The film's gripping plot centers around florist Lily Blossom Bloom (Lively), who falls head over heels in love with a seemingly perfect neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni) and reconnects with her childhood sweetheart, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar).
    Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Amanda Seyfried will star in the series which follows a beat cop working as the opioid crisis grips the streets of Philadelphia.
    Lucy Ford, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Can the Saints keep their slim playoff hopes alive, or will the Packers continue their march toward the postseason? Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and settle in—this one's going to be fun!
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
  • And unlike some other European countries, Finland has kept around 50,000 Cold-War era civil defense shelters, which could accommodate roughly 85% of the population of about 5.5 million.
    James Brooks, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • She is thought to have walked east from the Mather Point area, possibly toward the Bright Angel Lodge or Hermits Rest, the park service said.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 22 Dec. 2024
  • More Premier League coverage Introducing the most dangerous pass in football Premier League predicted line-ups: Who do our writers think will start in Gameweek 17?
    Oli Gamp, The Athletic, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Authorities say the truck contained gasoline and camp fuel containers, as well as large firework mortars.
    Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 2 Jan. 2025
  • Other Bacillus strains: Three trials (including 177 people) compared probiotic products containing strains of Bacillus.
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 1 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The child, who had a history of asthma, an elevated body-mass index and Class 2 obesity, was discharged that day with no treatment.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025
  • But the character itself has a distinct appearance.
    Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • South Korea’s conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol — weakened after the liberal opposition retained control in an April election -– astonished the country by declaring martial law in a late-night announcement on Dec. 3.
    Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
  • For now, Champagnie seems like a safe bet to be retained.
    Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Aqua, set to launch in March, is 10% bigger than its predecessors in the line’s Prima Class and accommodates about 3,600 passengers at double occupancy (though still smaller than the preceding Breakaway Plus Class).
    Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Reservations can be made online, and walk-ins can be accommodated.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American-Statesman, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • With its distinctive brown body, white head and yellow beak, the bald eagle grasps an olive branch and arrows in its talons on the seal, which is used on official documents, military uniform buttons and every U.S. passport.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024
  • And while the boxing is kinetically directed, Morrison grasps that the movie’s fiercest stands are taken outside the ring, when Claressa — faced with tough choices about her future — asserts herself to the people who need to hear it.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near hold

Cite this Entry

“Hold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

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