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

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
Verb
On Saturday, the Taylor campaign publicized a new poll that indicates a wide lead held by Lee earlier in the race had narrowed to just four points — 45% to 41%. Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2025 The company held its Alpha Board Forum in New York City in March 2025. Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
In the Salon-style corridor hold groupings of dogs and horses, religious iconography (the best by William Blake, who will be the star of a solo show later), among more. Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 28 Mar. 2025 Additionally, the continuation of all Citadel spinoff series are on hold, a least until the second season is released, if not indefinitely. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold
Verb
  • Week in Review Asian equities were mixed for the week as the U.S. recession fears gripped the region.
    Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • An idea may grip you when Venus retrograde aligns with Pluto.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
  • And keeping the sea lanes open, keeping trade and commerce open… MARGARET BRENNAN: Yes. NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER MIKE WALTZ: … is a fundamental aspect of our national security.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Why Skipping Is The Ultimate Plyometric Exercise Most think of skipping as something kids do.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • To make matters worse, Brooklyn’s family thinks that Brian is just using her for the trust fund that she’s inherited from her recently deceased father.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The palette contains highly pigmented, blendable and long-lasting eyeshadows in assorted natural colors.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Both medications contain benzocaine, while Orajel contains other active ingredients, including menthol and zinc chloride.
    Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate and independent studio LD Entertainment are circling domestic rights, though a deal has yet to close.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Zella Convertible Belt Bag This $22 option has the classic belt bag silhouette that looks natural with athleisure and travel outfits.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • When Lampard was sacked 18 months later, replacement Tuchel insisted that Barry be retained after hearing about his work.
    Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Lower yields give more concentration, while the higher elevation, averaging around 500 feet, retains high acidity.
    Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Padilla said officials recognized the need and have planned for equipment to be shipped to accommodate private attorney calls.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Listen to this article Solana Beach has issued permits for 178 out of 875 housing units that the city needs to accommodate as part of the state’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation process, but none yet for very low income units, according to an annual update at the March 26 City Council meeting.
    Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Jack Blues is sweetly grasping his 31-year-old dad’s face in the frames — which appear to have been taken after bathtime — while lying on a white towel on a tiled floor.
    Clare Fisher, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, each of these three skills can be grasped in less than one year and will cost you a fraction of the cost of a degree--between $400 to $1,000 on average--to learn them.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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