hold 1 of 2

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as in to contain
to have within the mysterious chest held an ancient book on magic spells and potions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to accommodate
to make or have room for the couple needed to rent a hall that would hold 300 people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to aim
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal held the camera on the actor throughout the scene

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hold

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noun

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as in grip
the act or manner of holding make sure you have a firm hold on the chain saw before you turn it on

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in contact
the state or fact of being able to exchange information regarding one's current situation I worry that I won't be able to get hold of you in an emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

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

The words accommodate and contain are common synonyms of hold. While all three words mean "to have or be capable of having within," hold implies the capacity of containing or the usual or permanent function of containing or keeping.

the bookcase will hold all my textbooks

When is it sensible to use accommodate instead of hold?

The words accommodate and hold are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, accommodate stresses holding without crowding or inconvenience.

the hall can accommodate 500 people

When would contain be a good substitute for hold?

While the synonyms contain and hold are close in meaning, contain implies the actual presence of a specified substance or quantity within something.

the can contains a quart of oil

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 hold
Verb
For years, top Trumpworld figures, some of whom currently hold top administration posts, and even the president himself, speculated about Epstein’s death and his alleged blackmail operation. Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2025 The show will be held Wednesday (July 16) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Nwigwe, joined by David Michael Wyatt, is set to perform the In Memoriam tribute. Paul Grein, Billboard, 14 July 2025
Noun
But out of the 26 analysts, 18 have a hold rating on shares while three have an underperform rating. Pia Singh, CNBC, 13 July 2025 So right now, the birthright citizenship executive order is on hold. Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for hold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold
Verb
  • June’s inflation data came in broadly lower than expected, marking a sharp turnaround from the stagflation concerns that gripped the market in the first quarter.
    Benzinga, Freep.com, 19 July 2025
  • Reviewers love the non-slip foam material and beveled edges that make gripping easy even with sweaty hands.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • In their appeal, the federal government’s attorneys said the plaintiffs can keep representing kids through other funding, such as private donors or pro bono services.
    Nicol León, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025
  • Here's how to keep your pets safe Temps feel like 100-plus in weather forecast for Columbus, Cincinnati; Akron pushes 100 degrees In Cincinnati, the high temperature today, July 21, will reach 85 degrees, per the NWS forecast with the chance of showers or storms in the afternoon.
    Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Here are other things that came out of Engelbert’s availability: Engelbert said the WNBA is thinking about expanding its future scheduling footprint as well as the number of games played in upcoming seasons.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 20 July 2025
  • Why do otherwise well-mannered people think open-mouth chewing is socially acceptable?
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Becton's yellow pajama pants and the single latex glove were analyzed by the Arkansas State Crime Lab, which reported the glove contained Becton's DNA and particulates of gunshot residue, according to the affidavit.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 July 2025
  • As of Thursday afternoon, the fire crew effectively contained 92% of the wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Moose Tracks ice cream borrows name from miniature golf Created in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, known for its moose population, in the 1990s, the iconic flavor Moose Tracks, has a base of vanilla ice cream with fudge swirl and peanut butter cups.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 24 July 2025
  • According to Patrick Brady, the director, having a research center rather than a group of independently operating scientists can help guide a long-term vision for research.
    Andrew Montequin, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Mulching can help the plant’s shallow roots retain moisture.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 July 2025
  • However, Congress can still review all legislation passed by the D.C. Council and retains authority over the district's budget.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Instead, this bamboo foldable drying rack neatly folds out and can accommodate a full load of clothes.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
  • Right now, there is a lot of focus on food manufacturers, but the supply chain also has to adapt to accommodate higher demand for natural color alternatives.
    Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The above is something that Shupe somewhat uniquely grasps.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • When exposed to body temperatures, these needles interlock with each other and grasp onto the tissue surface that the platform is in contact with.
    Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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