1
as in to remain
to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state
the ancient beliefs still held on in remote mountain villages
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to wait
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something
hold on a minute—it's not your turn
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 on
Governed by pleasure-seeking Venus, this Earth sign is known to hold on to what is familiar, for the sake of comfort and security.
—
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Twenty-four years later, the singer and songwriter is facing the challenge of representing Spain at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held on May 17 in Basel, Switzerland.
—Franchesca Guim, Billboard, 21 Apr. 2025
But holding on to memories or enduring emotional strain in silence only deepens the wound.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Maybe the distance has grown, your connection feels shaky and you’re left wondering if there’s still something worth holding on to.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Twenty-four years later, the singer and songwriter is facing the challenge of representing Spain at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held on May 17 in Basel, Switzerland.
—Franchesca Guim, Billboard, 21 Apr. 2025
But holding on to memories or enduring emotional strain in silence only deepens the wound.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Maybe the distance has grown, your connection feels shaky and you’re left wondering if there’s still something worth holding on to.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
-
Whether cooking for Hollywood stars or crafting simple dishes for his audience, Arya remained grounded in the belief that true success comes from being real, not manufactured.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
-
On Saturday morning, a trail of blood remained on the 19th floor of the apartment building where the woman was shot.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
After such a huge high, Gray, his team-mates and everyone associated with Leeds were left to wait to find out whether this result would be enough to seal their return to the Premier League.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
-
The Pentagon can no longer afford to wait for the outbreak of the next conflict to enact these changes.—
MICHAEL BROWN,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Backed by cardinals seeking reform, the low-profile Bergoglio emerged as a surprise contender early on, and his momentum continued.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Firefighters continue to battle a wildfire in New Jersey that has burned over 15,000 acres, with strong winds on Sunday complicating their efforts, officials said.—
Megan Forrester,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
For First-Class Mail, the current service standard day range of 1-5 days is staying the same, while the day ranges for end-to-end Marketing Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services are being shortened.—
Bonnie Bolden,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Charles, as the head of state, is supposed to stay politically neutral and operate within certain parameters.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Whether through design, real estate, or social initiatives, Yemane’s businesses are all about impact, helping people build wealth, communities, and lasting relationships.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Will Warren lasted just 1.2 innings in the Bombers’ first major league game at George M. Steinbrenner Field.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share