Synonyms of hung on to

hung on to

phrase

past tense of hang on to

1

as in kept

to continue to have in one's possession or power

You can hang on to that necklace if you like.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• kept
• retained
• held
• possessed
• preserved
• withheld
• saved
• reserved
• had
• held on to
• protected
• enjoyed
• owned
• clung (to)
• guarded
• conserved
• ruled
• boasted
• controlled
• managed
• bore
• directed
• detained
• commanded
• hugged
• treasured
• cherished
• harbored

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• released
• gave up
• surrendered
• yielded
• dropped
• abandoned
• gave
• handed over
• contributed
• donated
• relinquished
• discarded
• dumped
• rejected
• handed out
• ceded
• declined
• lost
• repudiated
• spurned

2

as in had

to keep in one's mind or heart

She hangs on to memories of her traveling days.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• had
• held
• retained
• bore
• cherished
• entertained
• held on to
• cultivated
• kept
• harbored
• remembered
• maintained
• clung (to)
• stuck (to)
• sustained
• hugged
• preserved
• carried
• nursed
• fostered
• supported
• cleaved (to)
• obsessed (about or over)
• nurtured
• fixated (on or upon)
• treasured
• brooded (about or over)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignored
• dropped
• forgot
• disregarded
• neglected
• denied
• refused
• rejected
• overlooked
• declined
• repudiated
• abandoned
• discarded
• gave up
• quit
• parted (with)
• deserted
• renounced
• disdained
• threw out
• scorned
• abjured
• erased
• quitted
• forsook
• expunged

3

as in clenched

to have or keep in one's hands

Can you hang on to my purse while I use the bathroom?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clenched
• gripped
• clutched
• clung (to)
• held
• grabbed
• carried
• held on to
• snapped (up)
• cradled
• took
• bore
• snatched
• captured
• trapped
• hugged
• seized
• latched (on or onto)
• felt
• handled
• caught
• grasped
• hooked
• landed
• clasped
• grappled
• nailed
• bagged
• embraced
• pawed
• fingered
• nabbed
• snared
• collared
• corralled

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gave
• dropped
• handed
• turned over
• rendered
• handed over
• delivered
• gave up
• released
• unhanded
• yielded
• unclasped
• relinquished
• ceded
• handed out

4

as in held

to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms

Hang on to this rope for support.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• held
• grasped
• took
• gripped
• clasped
• laid hold of
• clung (to)
• held on (to)
• clenched
• clutched
• caught
• snatched
• seized
• nabbed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dropped
• released
• discharged
• freed
• liberated
• turned over
• transferred
• gave
• handed over
• passed
• transmitted
• delivered
• handed
• entrusted
• relinquished
• intrusted
• unhanded