HOLD Synonyms: 424 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

hold 1 of 2

verb

ˈhōld

Definition of hold next

as in to grip

to have or keep in one's hands this casserole dish is too hot to hold, so grab a potholder

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as in to keep

to continue to have in one's possession or power she, and she alone, held the keys to the mysterious chest

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as in to think

to have as an opinion "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal"

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as in to contain

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

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as in to have

to keep in one's mind or heart still held her close to his heart, though they had long parted

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as in to retain

to keep, control, or experience as one's own the same family has held this piece of land for over 100 years

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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

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as in to grasp

to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms please hold my arm on these slippery stairs

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as in to consider

to think of in a particular way held to be the best blueberry pies in the state

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as in to regulate

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) we managed to hold our laughter until we got outside hold your temper until you hear the whole story

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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

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hold

2 of 2

noun

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

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as in stronghold

a structure or place from which one can resist attack the ruins of an ancient Roman hold

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as in sway

the right or means to command or control others the government has no hold over where we live and work

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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

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as in jail

a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody upon hearing the guilty verdict, the accused realized that he would lie in that godforsaken hold for the remainder of his life

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outside

as in understanding

the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something I need to get hold of the situation before planning a course of action

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as in imprisonment

the state of being held in lawful custody a suspected terrorist who was abducted at an airport and put in hold at an undisclosed location

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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

Following the release of the three hostages on Saturday, Hamas and its allies still hold a total of 73 people taken from Israel on October 7, 2023, of 251 initially taken. —

Michael Rios, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025 The Heat will hold an introductory press conference for Wiggins, Mitchell and Kyle Anderson on Sunday at 9 a.m. at Kaseya Center ahead of their first practice with the team. —

Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Feb. 2025

Noun

Magazine Dreams made its world premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, but its release was put on hold after Majors' trial in New York City began with ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari. —

Tommy McArdle, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025 Starting a few days after the Trump inauguration, word spread within the research community that some grant spending might be on hold. —

John Timmer, Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold

Verb

Under Maduro – in office since 2013 – oil-rich Venezuela has fallen into a deep economic and political crisis, gripped by hyperinflation.

— Alejandra Jaramillo and Chris Lau, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
Ramses Frías, a local Queens activist who’s voiced concerns over a crime crisis gripping his neighborhood, which is partially represented by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., said the raids have also been warmly received by the community.

— Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025