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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of held out
In another incredible finale to a World Cup 2026 match, Cristian Romero met Messi’s corner with his header deflecting off Diney Borges for an own goal on 111 minutes to win it as Argentina held out under late Cape Verde pressure.
—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
4 July 2026
Those offers didn’t cut it for the few dozen residents who’ve held out.
—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
2 July 2026
For the majority of viewers who held out for the subscription streaming release rather than paying to rent or purchase, this news is amaze, amaze, amaze.
—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Gutiérrez had a yellow card and was held out against Czechia to avoid a second yellow card and suspension.
—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
At the same time, students are often held out of sports while waiting for clearance.
—
Katherine Hofmann,
STAT,
30 June 2026
Haiti held out for almost two decades before agreeing to reparations but had to borrow money from the French and Americans at interest rates that ensured over the next 120 years, over 80% of the island’s income would go to finance the debt.
—
Paul Vallas,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
Having held out to beat Haiti 1-0 in its first game, another win against Morocco would practically guarantee Scotland’s passage through to the knockout rounds.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
During offseason workouts, Mahomes participated in individual drills, installs and 7-on-7 periods but was held out of 11-on-11 work as a precaution, per Reid’s update.
—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
4 July 2026
Those offers didn’t cut it for the few dozen residents who’ve held out.
—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
2 July 2026
For the majority of viewers who held out for the subscription streaming release rather than paying to rent or purchase, this news is amaze, amaze, amaze.
—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Gutiérrez had a yellow card and was held out against Czechia to avoid a second yellow card and suspension.
—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
At the same time, students are often held out of sports while waiting for clearance.
—
Katherine Hofmann,
STAT,
30 June 2026
Haiti held out for almost two decades before agreeing to reparations but had to borrow money from the French and Americans at interest rates that ensured over the next 120 years, over 80% of the island’s income would go to finance the debt.
—
Paul Vallas,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
Having held out to beat Haiti 1-0 in its first game, another win against Morocco would practically guarantee Scotland’s passage through to the knockout rounds.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
During offseason workouts, Mahomes participated in individual drills, installs and 7-on-7 periods but was held out of 11-on-11 work as a precaution, per Reid’s update.
—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for held out
Verb
-
Defending champion Argentina survived an upset bid by World Cup darling Cabo Verde 3-2 earlier Friday and next takes on Egypt Tuesday in a Round of 16 game at Atlanta.
-
Shawna underwent several surgeries and remained in critical condition but survived the attack.
Verb
-
Chris Lagerbloom lasted three years before taking a job offer in Georgia in 2022.
-
In February 2025, the military broke a siege on el-Obeid that had lasted more than a year.
Verb
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When the Allied powers prevailed in World War II, the United States took the ship as a war prize.
-
Unlike its post-war decline when minimalism prevailed, Schiaparelli now thrives by making innovation and shock its core business model.
Cite this Entry
“Held out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/held%20out. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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