maintain

1
2
3
as in to keep
to pay the living expenses of we simply cannot afford to maintain a horse

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb maintain differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of maintain are assert, defend, justify, and vindicate. While all these words mean "to uphold as true, right, just, or reasonable," maintain stresses firmness of conviction.

steadfastly maintained his innocence

When would assert be a good substitute for maintain?

Although the words assert and maintain have much in common, assert suggests determination to make others accept one's claim.

asserted her rights

When could defend be used to replace maintain?

In some situations, the words defend and maintain are roughly equivalent. However, defend implies maintaining in the face of attack or criticism.

defended his voting record

When is it sensible to use justify instead of maintain?

The words justify and maintain can be used in similar contexts, but justify implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to precedent.

the action was used to justify military intervention

In what contexts can vindicate take the place of maintain?

The meanings of vindicate and maintain largely overlap; however, vindicate implies successfully defending.

his success vindicated our faith in him

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 maintain UConn maintained the pressure with another three turnovers in the first five minutes of the second quarter, but the defensive effort didn’t seem to tire the Huskies on the offensive end. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2025 As businesses expand beyond their hometown markets, maintaining an authentic connection to their local roots can become a challenge. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2025 Clear any noticeable salt bridges in the brine tank and use the correct salt for your type of water softener to maintain its functionality. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025 Francis Authorizes Appointment of Four New Bishops Despite his hospitalization, the pope has maintained a degree of governance. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for maintain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maintain
Verb
  • In an effort to attract younger consumers who value sustainability and transparency, producers must have environmental certifications that demonstrate a commitment to conserving resources and preserving the Earth.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Eventually, the city reached a compromise on the rail issue: a single track would be preserved for freight service.
    Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Providence stoked to defend Class 4A state title, but Lincoln-Way West also will contend.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The overwhelming majority of protests for Palestinian freedom are nonviolent and welcoming to all people of conscience who adhere to international law and defend human rights.
    Nikki Morse, Baltimore Sun, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In contrast, the energy transition has a long-term basis, with 2050 as the magic date of the Paris agreement to keep global temperature rise below 2 C degrees above pre-industrial times.
    Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Washington — The House narrowly approved a stopgap measure Tuesday to keep the government funded through September, with Speaker Mike Johnson managing to largely keep his GOP conference united and pass the measure days ahead of a possible government shutdown.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Critics argue the spending has gotten out of hand, while services haven’t improved.
    Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The big picture: Democrats have hammered Trump and Elon Musk for their approach to slicing federal agencies, arguing the administration has cut positions and programs without a clear understanding of the consequences.
    Stephen Neukam, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Hearn insisted Matchroom held up their end of the bargain and stayed true to the contract.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Howe rightly insists that, rather than try to completely shut out the emotion this time around, Newcastle need to channel it correctly.
    Gregg Evans, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Americans in New Jersey and Delaware have been urged to conserve water amid drought conditions and wildfires.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
  • This can help align incentives and conserve precious capital.
    Joseph Edgar, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Many are wondering how this happened and how it can possibly be justified.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Insurers struggle to justify and approve budgets for costly testing regimes like a PET scan, which can cost as much as $8,000 per test.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Abelson, who was nominated by President Biden, agreed with the plaintiffs that the executive orders discourage businesses, organizations and public entities from openly supporting diversity, equity and inclusion.
    Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025
  • In the end, the bill passed in the House by 217-213 votes, with all Republicans but Thomas Massie of Kentucky supporting the legislation.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maintain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maintain. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on maintain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!