1
as in to remain
to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state
the ancient beliefs still held on in remote mountain villages
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to wait
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something
hold on a minute—it's not your turn
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 on
Kansas City scored twice in a four-minute span early in the first half and held on for a 2-0 victory.
—
Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Darvish is currently being held on $1 million bail at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio.
—Riley Hoffman, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2025
Typically held on a Saturday in April, the day features special vinyl and CD releases, promotional products, and in-store performances.
—Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2025
When arrested, he is ordered held on a $5,000 cash bond for each case — or $10,000 total.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Darvish is currently being held on $1 million bail at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio.
—Riley Hoffman, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2025
Typically held on a Saturday in April, the day features special vinyl and CD releases, promotional products, and in-store performances.
—Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2025
When arrested, he is ordered held on a $5,000 cash bond for each case — or $10,000 total.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
-
In today’s issue: The U.S.-China tariff turnstile Deportation dilemma rocks the courts GOP down to details on Medicaid cuts Iran, U.S. nuclear progress unclear President Trump’s tariff rollout has world leaders and economists on edge as White House messaging about the levies remains inconsistent.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
14 Apr. 2025
-
That means such products imported from China will apparently not be subjected to the 125% tariff U.S. President Donald Trump slapped on Beijing (a 20% tariff will remain).—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
IndieWire understands the festival was waiting to confirm Denzel Washington’s attendance, and indeed the star will be at Cannes.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The progress of this research has now been delayed while my lab waits on a crucial research grant that was supposed to start in February on finding new cures for pain.—
Dr. Ardem Patapoutian,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Geopolitical Ticking Clock The ongoing U.S.-China dispute, Beijing’s approval delays, and national security concerns continue to cloud any hopes for a straightforward resolution pathway.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Taxpayer costs for the Moscow homicides case have continued to climb as Kohberger awaits his chance for a defense at trial and remains jailed.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Shevchenko stayed at 135 for her next four fights, going 2-2.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
This underwear is lightweight and discreet, and stays fresh all day.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Whether through design, real estate, or social initiatives, Yemane’s businesses are all about impact, helping people build wealth, communities, and lasting relationships.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The Great Migration brought many Black American artists and thinkers to New York City, famously spurring the Harlem Renaissance, which lasted from the end of World War I through the 1920s.—
Johanna K. Taylor,
The Conversation,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share