1
as in postpones
to assign to a later time
held up mail delivery until we had a permanent address
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stops
to bring (something) to a standstill
traffic was held up for miles by the accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in hampers
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
if lack of transportation is the only thing holding you up, I can give you a ride
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in survives
to continue to operate or to meet one's needs
the air conditioner held up this year, but it's not going to make it through another summer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in remains
to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state
the storm's hurricane-force winds did not hold up once it hit the coast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in flies
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
an argument that won't hold up in court
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holds up
Battery life holds up for long commutes, and Android users get the bonus of LDAC streaming.
—
Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
In practice, standardization rarely holds up.
—Kathleen Hurley, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
This double-wide camp chair is quilted and comfortable, with durable 600D polyester fabric that holds up to weather, spills, and even a slobbery dog (or two) climbing aboard.
—Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
Despite the show’s late 1800s backdrop, much of the material still holds up today, from Laura’s (Melissa Gilbert) teen angst to heavy storylines involving topics like grief, spirituality, addiction, and more.
—Kelly Martinez, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
While McGuire went without prosthetics, for example, Young’s war-scarred face is expertly executed — realistic and restrained, with detail that holds up to scrutiny even in the new Blu-ray’s razor-sharp imagery.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2025
With the right tools and a little practice, anyone can achieve a glossy, long-lasting manicure that holds up for up to two—sometimes even three—weeks.
—Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 11 Aug. 2025
Needless to say, this more budget-friendly pick holds up—and keeps lashes lifted, too.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2025
And while the intent was understandable, performing without any concert-specific arrangements — relying solely on the original choreography and the abilities of members just two years into their debut — felt like a tall order for a venue the size of Inspire Arena, which holds up to 15,000 people.
—Billboard Korea, Billboard, 4 Aug. 2025
Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025
In practice, standardization rarely holds up.
—Kathleen Hurley, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
This double-wide camp chair is quilted and comfortable, with durable 600D polyester fabric that holds up to weather, spills, and even a slobbery dog (or two) climbing aboard.
—Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
Despite the show’s late 1800s backdrop, much of the material still holds up today, from Laura’s (Melissa Gilbert) teen angst to heavy storylines involving topics like grief, spirituality, addiction, and more.
—Kelly Martinez, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
While McGuire went without prosthetics, for example, Young’s war-scarred face is expertly executed — realistic and restrained, with detail that holds up to scrutiny even in the new Blu-ray’s razor-sharp imagery.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2025
With the right tools and a little practice, anyone can achieve a glossy, long-lasting manicure that holds up for up to two—sometimes even three—weeks.
—Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 11 Aug. 2025
Needless to say, this more budget-friendly pick holds up—and keeps lashes lifted, too.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2025
And while the intent was understandable, performing without any concert-specific arrangements — relying solely on the original choreography and the abilities of members just two years into their debut — felt like a tall order for a venue the size of Inspire Arena, which holds up to 15,000 people.
—Billboard Korea, Billboard, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds up
Verb
-
The panel’s decision postpones the effective dates of TPS terminations directed by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
When policy, innovation, and business insight align, CCU stops being a piece of green rhetoric and becomes good business.—
Peter Bendor-Samuel,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The buck stops with the humans.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Gaal, meanwhile, survives but without the answers that might make survival meaningful.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The soap and baking powder are long-gone; the chewing gum survives and thrives.—
Julia Dhar,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
With the crack of a single rifle shot, that dream remains in doubt.—
Rick Jervis,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The current mission is known as NG-23, because it was supposed to be the 23rd cargo effort that Northrop Grumman flies to the ISS for NASA.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Frozen yogurt business pays tribute to Charlie Kirk as product flies 'off the shelves'.—
,
FOXNews.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The wait can leave workers wondering what’s fair and what’s legal when an employer delays payment.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Sep. 2025
-
John Malkovich shows up for a tangent that is meant to be expositional, but really only needlessly delays what’s coming.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Antihydra almost certainly never halts.—
Ben Brubaker,
Quanta Magazine,
22 Aug. 2025
-
More than 50 Democratic lawmakers fled the state earlier this week, a decision that halts action on redistricting, as well as other bills in the legislature.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holds up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds%20up. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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