1
as in to remain
to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state
the ancient beliefs still held on in remote mountain villages
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to wait
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something
hold on a minute—it's not your turn
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 on
Governed by pleasure-seeking Venus, this Earth sign is known to hold on to what is familiar, for the sake of comfort and security.
—
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Twenty-four years later, the singer and songwriter is facing the challenge of representing Spain at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held on May 17 in Basel, Switzerland.
—Franchesca Guim, Billboard, 21 Apr. 2025
But holding on to memories or enduring emotional strain in silence only deepens the wound.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Maybe the distance has grown, your connection feels shaky and you’re left wondering if there’s still something worth holding on to.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Twenty-four years later, the singer and songwriter is facing the challenge of representing Spain at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held on May 17 in Basel, Switzerland.
—Franchesca Guim, Billboard, 21 Apr. 2025
But holding on to memories or enduring emotional strain in silence only deepens the wound.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Maybe the distance has grown, your connection feels shaky and you’re left wondering if there’s still something worth holding on to.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
-
A lot of the clubs from that time were gone—Finbar’s, Hunt’s, Memorial Auditorium, where the band once opened for Allen Ginsberg—but the scrappy apartments mostly remained.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
-
That means such products imported from China will apparently not be subjected to the 125% tariff U.S. President Donald Trump slapped on Beijing (a 20% tariff will remain).—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The Pentagon can no longer afford to wait for the outbreak of the next conflict to enact these changes.—
MICHAEL BROWN,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
-
After such a huge high, Gray, his team-mates and everyone associated with Leeds were left to wait to find out whether this result would be enough to seal their return to the Premier League.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Geopolitical Ticking Clock The ongoing U.S.-China dispute, Beijing’s approval delays, and national security concerns continue to cloud any hopes for a straightforward resolution pathway.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Taxpayer costs for the Moscow homicides case have continued to climb as Kohberger awaits his chance for a defense at trial and remains jailed.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
This underwear is lightweight and discreet, and stays fresh all day.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Shevchenko stayed at 135 for her next four fights, going 2-2.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Whether through design, real estate, or social initiatives, Yemane’s businesses are all about impact, helping people build wealth, communities, and lasting relationships.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The Great Migration brought many Black American artists and thinkers to New York City, famously spurring the Harlem Renaissance, which lasted from the end of World War I through the 1920s.—
Johanna K. Taylor,
The Conversation,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share