as in to limit
to set bounds or an upper limit for
efforts to hold down taxes keep running up against the legislature's ingrained unwillingness to cut spending
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in fastener
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hold-down
Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 18 Nov. 2023
If the hold-down clamp is not tightened properly, the battery could move, allowing the positive terminal to contact the clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire, the company said.
—CBS News, 1 Nov. 2023
Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
But whereas Slama’s first film felt overindulgent and ultimately aimless, this one is held down by a compelling performance from Titane’s Agathe Rousselle, playing a Franco-American with a major attitude who’s desperately trying to make ends meet as the 2024 Summer Olympics begin.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold-down
Verb
SpaceX tested the water deluge system several times since April, including on a pair of hold-down engine tests with the Super Heavy booster in August.
—Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 18 Nov. 2023
If the hold-down clamp is not tightened properly, the battery could move, allowing the positive terminal to contact the clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire, the company said.
—CBS News, 1 Nov. 2023
Noun
Video of the Friday event shared to social media shows at least four police officers holding down a man later identified by family and associates as Francis Gigliotti, 43.
—Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
But whereas Slama’s first film felt overindulgent and ultimately aimless, this one is held down by a compelling performance from Titane’s Agathe Rousselle, playing a Franco-American with a major attitude who’s desperately trying to make ends meet as the 2024 Summer Olympics begin.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold-down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold-down
Verb
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The Texans also have an offensive line coach whose NFL experience is limited to being a co- or assistant offensive line coach.—
KC Joyner,
New York Times,
23 July 2025
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What looks like a safe bet can limit your team’s ability to adapt.—
Lewis Wynne-Jones,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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Professors and education advocates, who waited six hours for public testimony to begin, said the curricula review provision opens the door for ideological censorship and restricts courses.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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On Friday, the L.A. Times cited law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation who said the warrant was linked to the alleged 7M cult, though further details are currently restricted under seal in federal court.—
Zoey Lyttle,
People.com,
29 July 2025
Noun
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From there, her Lonestar holdings just grew and grew and grew to include a 6,000-square-foot estate on North River Hills, several parcels near the Colorado River, and a commercial building in West Lake Hills.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
25 July 2025
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In his dissent, Clifton argued that the state was within its rights to deny Bates under the statute and disagreed with the majority’s holding that the state violated her First Amendment rights.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
24 July 2025
Verb
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However, more countries are looking to tighten restrictions on who can get a passport, making citizenship a more urgent goal.—
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 July 2025
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The race is bound to tighten somewhat after the September preliminary election, when the field will be winnowed to just Kraft and Wu.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
22 July 2025
Noun
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The first matchup between New York Giants and the St. Louis (since relocated to Arizona) Cardinals ended in a 21-21 tie.—
Mark LaSota,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
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India Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on India this week, citing unfair trade practices and India's ties with Russia.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 July 2025
Noun
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Look for signs of ownership like a collar or friendliness.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 July 2025
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Her shirtdress had layer-friendly buttons, a preppy collar, and a belt that accentuated her shape.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold-down. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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