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
What To Know Einbinder, 30, accepted her first Emmy at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards held on Sunday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
—
Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
If the Blue Jays hold on to the best record in the American League, the Yankees would head to Canada for the start of the American League Division Series.
—Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
The Hurricanes were leading 14-3 at that point, went up 28-6 at halftime and held on from there.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2025
But hold on… Ed Oliver just forced a fumble.
—Coy Wire, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
If the Blue Jays hold on to the best record in the American League, the Yankees would head to Canada for the start of the American League Division Series.
—Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
The Hurricanes were leading 14-3 at that point, went up 28-6 at halftime and held on from there.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2025
But hold on… Ed Oliver just forced a fumble.
—Coy Wire, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
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The takeover remains widely unpopular among Washington residents – some 80% oppose it, according to a Washington Post poll.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
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Frontier, American are the perennial problem children Frontier Airlines remains stuck at the bottom for the third straight year.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Vengathattil added that hospitals do not need to wait years to see the benefits.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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Every moment the Senate waits to confirm Antoni to overhaul the systemic failures of the BLS is one that risks the stability of global finance and American wealth.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Smith replied that private schools must submit renewal packets every year before they are approved to continue participation in the accounts program, and that the agency compares the new tuition rates against the older rates.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Sep. 2025
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Patients who tested positive for Covid-19 continued rapid antigen testing each day until the result was negative, so researchers could see how long the infection lasted.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Whereas a hotel or resort can focus on implementing competitive strategies while staying at one address, private jets are continuously in motion.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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Its square neck frames your face and the smocked material stretches to stay comfortable for all-day wear.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Built to last, the 2020 model features a new roof design that boasts up to 90 pounds per square foot of snow load.—
Gabriela Izquierdo,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
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The recession began in December 2007, when the housing bubble burst and the financial crisis took hold, and lasted until mid-2009.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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