keep 1 of 2

1
as in to celebrate
to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony keep the Sabbath by not working

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in to store
to place somewhere for safekeeping or ready availability I keep extra toothbrushes for unexpected overnight guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
as in to maintain
to pay the living expenses of agreed to keep both of their children in off-campus housing until they graduated and found jobs

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keep

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word keep different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of keep are celebrate, commemorate, and observe. While all these words mean "to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed," keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating.

kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

Where would celebrate be a reasonable alternative to keep?

While in some cases nearly identical to keep, celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity.

traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

When might commemorate be a better fit than keep?

In some situations, the words commemorate and keep are roughly equivalent. However, commemorate suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event.

commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths

When is it sensible to use observe instead of keep?

Although the words observe and keep have much in common, observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance.

not all holidays are observed nationally

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 keep
Verb
Los Angeles Rams: OG Tyler Booker After bringing in Davante Adams, extending Matthew Stafford and another year of Kyren Williams manning the backfield, the Rams need a guy to keep their weapons moving. Fox News Staff, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025 That approach, some told the Statesman, has created the impression that keeping budgets flat year over year is enough to keep agencies operating. Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
In summer, its outdoor Luna Cinema shows classics on a screen erected between the keep and the castle’s fabulously odd mansion. Jamie Carter, Travel + Leisure, 20 Jan. 2025 Our editors and contributors have tested several kinds of platform beds over the years, and have some thoughts on what’s for keeps, and what squeaks enough to do without. Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for keep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for keep
Verb
  • The 34-year-old World Cup winner celebrates the birthdays of his three children on the same day, April 8 – and none of them were born in the same year.
    Don Riddell, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • As for Roan, she's been a vocal supporter of drag throughout the years, even featuring queens as her concert openers to celebrate the art form when drag bans and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is at its height.
    Dave Quinn, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Status quo supporters claim voters still choose because the appointee must run for election to retain the seat.
    Bob Marshall, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2025
  • In the aftermath, the motion states, Doe retained legal counsel and, following months of negotiations, was able to reach a settlement with Schrader’s lawyers in February of this year.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jason's presence could fulfill an ancient prophecy of a Seeker who will use the staff to free the Monkey King.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Reaching out and connecting with another person fulfills a basic human need for belonging and validation.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For best freshness for longer, store them stem side down, and do not stack them on top of each other.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2025
  • After a bit of work scraping out the cocoons, they can be stored in the refrigerator.
    Martha Ann Overland, NPR, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Trump administration’s policies have led to actions such as the withdrawal of federal funding from institutions maintaining DEI programs.
    Jason Wingard, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, executive producer David Bernad reveals he and show creator Mike White had a backup plan to ensure the show maintains its signature shock factor.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Advice for other state leaders on managing this moment in the energy revolution?
    Joan Michelson, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Learning to manage stress—through mindfulness, meditation, or simply taking breaks—has been crucial for managing my condition.
    Edward Taguba, Health, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Tiny parasitic wasps also control aphids with adults laying their eggs within the aphids and the developing wasp larvae feeding on them.
    Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Tszyu looked poised and controlled in the early going of the contest.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Historically, child labor laws have been implemented to protect young workers from unsafe conditions and excessive hours, ensuring their education and well-being are not compromised.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The Reverso watch was made especially for polo players who could flip the case to protect the dial from the swinging wooden mallets, and fast-flying balls.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Keep.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keep. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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