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
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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
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Recent Examples of hold on
Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former president, was charged on Tuesday with overseeing a vast scheme to hold on to power after losing the 2022 election, including one plot to annul the vote, disband courts and empower the military, and another to assassinate the nation’s president-elect.
—
Jack Nicas, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Fletcher, who was arraigned in state superior court in Milford a few hours later, is being held on a $3 million bond.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2025
But the Lakers held on with late-game free throws from James and shot-making from Austin Reaves.
—Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 9 Feb. 2025
The All-Star draft was held on TNT, with analysts Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley picking the teams.
—Los Angeles Times Staff and Wire Reports, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Jack Nicas, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Fletcher, who was arraigned in state superior court in Milford a few hours later, is being held on a $3 million bond.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2025
But the Lakers held on with late-game free throws from James and shot-making from Austin Reaves.
—Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 9 Feb. 2025
The All-Star draft was held on TNT, with analysts Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley picking the teams.
—Los Angeles Times Staff and Wire Reports, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
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The Red Wings hold the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 25 games remaining.—
Max Bultman,
The Athletic,
25 Feb. 2025
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Still, one thing remained constant: Taylor’s dedication towards a quality hair primer to create the perfect canvas for building and maintaining any look.—
Pooja Shah,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Hotter-than-expected inflation data would probably prompt the Fed to wait longer to cut interest rates.—
Carolina Mandl,
USA TODAY,
22 Feb. 2025
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Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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However, according to a resolution included in the agenda for the board’s Thursday meeting, the original resolution will no longer continue as planned.—
Ikram Mohamed,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
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Francis remained in critical condition but the Holy See bureaucracy continued to function, with the announcement of new bishops and a new church fundraising initiative.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
One thing about Zendaya: sis gon’ stay booked and busy.—
Marc Griffin,
VIBE.com,
27 Feb. 2025
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The drought severity has stayed the same across California, with nearly 15 percent of the state battling extreme drought conditions.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Blue Ghost is not designed to last forever on the moon.—
Tariq Malik,
Space.com,
1 Mar. 2025
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The hearing Friday was supposed to last fewer than 90 minutes — but stretched more than three hours.—
Lee Ann Anderson,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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