hold down 1 of 2

as in to limit
to set bounds or an upper limit for efforts to hold down taxes keep running up against the legislature's ingrained unwillingness to cut spending

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hold-down

2 of 2

noun

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 hold down
Verb
With Shanahan as an offensive-minded head coach, finding someone capable of holding down the fort on defense is obviously vital. Vincent Frank, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 Did love for the flawed man who became my father give her the energy and inspiration to paint at peak capacity, even while holding down her first full-time job after college? Megan Marshall, The New Yorker, 8 Feb. 2025
Noun
SpaceX tested the water deluge system several times since April, including on a pair of hold-down engine tests with the Super Heavy booster in August. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 18 Nov. 2023 If the hold-down clamp is not tightened properly, the battery could move, allowing the positive terminal to contact the clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire, the company said. CBS News, 1 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for hold down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold down
Verb
  • Last week, Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, announced on X the department canceled nearly $1 billion in educational research contracts, severely limiting the agency's data-collecting arm.
    Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Since 2017, California's sanctuary state law, the California Values Act (SB 54), has limited local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The rounded, spacious toe boxes won’t leave your feet feeling restricted (even during long days of wear), and light padding within the insoles offers impressive comfort during walking tours, running errands, or a long work day.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Structural inequities are systemic barriers within institutions — such as health care and employment — that restrict access to essential resources based on one’s race, legal or economic status.
    Deborah Omontese, The Conversation, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • His vast business holdings include X, Tesla and SpaceX, as well as the satellite internet service provider Starlink.
    Will Weissert, The Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2025
  • This success has enabled the company to shift its approach to its holdings in the United States.
    George Avalos, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But since then, federal stimulus money has dried up, costs have increased and budgets have tightened.
    Nick Coltrain, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Once again, the majority of doc filmmakers were struggling, and budgets tightened.
    Addie Morfoot, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Saudi Arabia for an initial round of talks aimed at eventually ending the war and restoring U.S.-Russia ties.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
  • However, a 10-2 burst to start the third quarter turned a 67-59 game into a 69-69 tie.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • University of Cambridge Developed by Prof. Luigi Occhipinti and colleagues at the University of Cambridge, the washable garment features an array of graphene strain sensors printed onto its collar.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The collar is visible in photos showing the release.
    Brooke Baitinger, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hold down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20down. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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