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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Brawley is also concerned about the quashing effect such actions will have on young scientists to remain in the field and create new labs.—
Alice Park,
TIME,
11 Feb. 2025
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This is a decrease from the peak of 94.5 million in April 2023, but remains higher than the pre-pandemic level of 71.4 million in February 2020.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 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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The rain will continue into the evening, possibly mixed with sleet, becoming all rain after 7 p.m. with a low around 35.—
Racquel Bazos,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Feb. 2025
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Remarkably, and somewhat strangely, Usyk's comment about a possible fight with Pereira didn't draw a follow-up from the interviewer, who continued the interview by asking about a possible fight with Dubois.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Since then, Verona and her children have stayed at her mother’s home, where she was surrounded by close relatives.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
15 Feb. 2025
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The rest of the race essentially stayed green thereafter.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The outlet also noted that the plane is about 16 years old, but aircrafts in its model typically last two to three decades.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
18 Feb. 2025
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Its success has also brought optimism to China’s tech sector, which is still recovering after a severe regulatory crackdown lasting more than three years.—
John Liu,
CNN,
17 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
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