1
as in postponed
to assign to a later time
held up mail delivery until we had a permanent address
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stopped
to bring (something) to a standstill
traffic was held up for miles by the accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in hampered
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
if lack of transportation is the only thing holding you up, I can give you a ride
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in survived
to continue to operate or to meet one's needs
the air conditioner held up this year, but it's not going to make it through another summer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in remained
to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state
the storm's hurricane-force winds did not hold up once it hit the coast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in flew
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
an argument that won't hold up in court
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of held up
Fallon held up a 25-year-old photo of the actress and producer — who originally portrayed Elle Woods — rocking a spaghetti-strap pink fishnet mermaid dress.
—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
30 June 2026
The interview started late; the commissioner was held up on a call with a production that needed help with its helicopter permit.
—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
30 June 2026
Two Texas counties also tried to halt data center construction this year, but neither pause held up.
—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
Jan Paul van Hecke, a center-back who saw action on all parts of the pitch by both defending and scoring a goal, praised how the field held up — while also making a joke.
—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
In a touching tribute, Saliba ran over to the sideline after scoring and held up the jersey of Ismaël Koné, the teammate who left the field on a stretcher minutes earlier after suffering what looked to be a serious leg injury.
—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Even Britain, long held up as the regulatory model, has slipped to 90-10, with unregulated books taking a double-digit share of that market for the first time.
—
Boaz Sobrado,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
And unlike most multi-goal leads in what has been a wild and thrilling series, this one held up, with Brandon Bussi finishing with 22 saves in his second career postseason start.
—
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
Boston Police are looking for two robbers armed with a gun who held up a children's lemonade stand in South Boston.
—
Tammy Mutasa,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
30 June 2026
The interview started late; the commissioner was held up on a call with a production that needed help with its helicopter permit.
—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
30 June 2026
Two Texas counties also tried to halt data center construction this year, but neither pause held up.
—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
30 June 2026
Jan Paul van Hecke, a center-back who saw action on all parts of the pitch by both defending and scoring a goal, praised how the field held up — while also making a joke.
—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2026
In a touching tribute, Saliba ran over to the sideline after scoring and held up the jersey of Ismaël Koné, the teammate who left the field on a stretcher minutes earlier after suffering what looked to be a serious leg injury.
—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Even Britain, long held up as the regulatory model, has slipped to 90-10, with unregulated books taking a double-digit share of that market for the first time.
—
Boaz Sobrado,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
And unlike most multi-goal leads in what has been a wild and thrilling series, this one held up, with Brandon Bussi finishing with 22 saves in his second career postseason start.
—
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
Boston Police are looking for two robbers armed with a gun who held up a children's lemonade stand in South Boston.
—
Tammy Mutasa,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for held up
Verb
-
Placer Superior Court Judge Eugene Gini granted the request and postponed the bail review hearing until next Monday.
-
That means the Rickettses shouldn’t bother planning any parties around an All-Star Game at Wrigley that could be postponed for a few years.
Verb
-
Large car rally disrupted in Baltimore Police said 36 traffic citations were issued and 54 vehicles were stopped after a large gathering of vehicles in the 1000 block of Wilson Drive in South Baltimore.
-
The victim in the latest attack had stopped to swim with her boyfriend and friend in the Econlockhatchee River just north of Orlando Sunday afternoon when the alligator bit her, the FWC said in a press briefing.
Verb
-
Chwalińska took a medical timeout for an ankle injury at the end of the game and was clearly hampered by it for the rest of the match.
-
Securing reservations at elite restaurants and bars has become a competitive, multi-billion dollar market, often hampered by bots and fragmented systems.
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
-
Opponents remained against the bill even after the recent changes.
-
Residents said the latest delay is especially frustrating because the pool also remained closed for much of last summer after a water line ruptured while it was being filled.
Verb
-
Another witness said Lopez stood up twice as the aircraft began descending into Las Vegas, went to the restroom, then returned to his seat before suddenly launching the attack.
-
Just as Travis stood up for Jason's 2018 wedding to Kylie Kelce, the older Kelce brother will be right by Travis' side on his big day.
Verb
-
Tuesday night’s showdown with Ecuador was delayed by an hour because of lightning.
-
First, a five-year closing process delayed the project, which was supposed to be completed by 2021.
Verb
-
Kyle Stowers went 4-for-5 with two homers, three RBI and three runs for the Marlins, who halted a two-game slide.
-
The third round was halted for about an hour because of a late storm.
Cite this Entry
“Held up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/held%20up. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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