as in survived
to continue to operate or to meet one's needs
we hoped our supply of firewood would hold out until power was restored luckily, the old outboard motor held out till we made it to shore
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Recent Examples of held out
Redick said Thiero was held out for precautionary reasons after his knee didn’t react well to playing in a G League game then playing in Detroit two days later.
—
Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
During this 15-game stretch, Powell was held out of seven straight games due to a right groin strain and also missed one game with left calf tightness.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
But that’s when Spoelstra altered his approach, not only playing Kel’el Ware as his first reserve off the bench, but then turning to Dru Smith, who had been held out the previous four games.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
Offensive line impresses Despite starting tackle Ryan Hughes and left guard Cade Bennett being held out of practice, TCU’s offensive line had a strong opening day of camp.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Mar. 2026
This comes after the initial CBA deadline on October 31, which was extended multiple times as the WNBA players held out for a deal that would grant them an suitable percentage of the league’s revenue, along with other salary increases, perks, and protections.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2026
Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray was held out to rest as part of his comeback from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
—Oc Register, 20 Mar. 2026
De’Anthony Melton and Kristaps Porzingis were both being held out of the first leg of a back-to-back.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
The outcome was not unexpected, though negotiators had held out some hope that a new contract could be reached in March.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
During this 15-game stretch, Powell was held out of seven straight games due to a right groin strain and also missed one game with left calf tightness.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
But that’s when Spoelstra altered his approach, not only playing Kel’el Ware as his first reserve off the bench, but then turning to Dru Smith, who had been held out the previous four games.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
Offensive line impresses Despite starting tackle Ryan Hughes and left guard Cade Bennett being held out of practice, TCU’s offensive line had a strong opening day of camp.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Mar. 2026
This comes after the initial CBA deadline on October 31, which was extended multiple times as the WNBA players held out for a deal that would grant them an suitable percentage of the league’s revenue, along with other salary increases, perks, and protections.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2026
Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray was held out to rest as part of his comeback from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
—Oc Register, 20 Mar. 2026
De’Anthony Melton and Kristaps Porzingis were both being held out of the first leg of a back-to-back.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
The outcome was not unexpected, though negotiators had held out some hope that a new contract could be reached in March.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for held out
Verb
-
Gerth survived with her family and friends by sheltering in the basement.—
Noel Brennan,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Thomas, who is ninety, has recently survived a bout with the virus.—
Giles Harvey,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Ober lasted four innings for the second straight start, falling behind after a two-out, two-run single by Nick Fortes in the first and a two-out, run-scoring double by Ben Williamson in the fourth.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Company executives worked with banking firm Citizens Bank to oversee the sale process, which lasted four to five months but fell through.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Immigrant students sued and prevailed.—
Jonaki Mehta,
NPR,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Ultimately, the Cali Cartel prevailed.—
Abigail R. Hall,
Oc Register,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Held out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/held%20out. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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