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
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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
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Recent Examples of hold on
He is being held on a $1 million bail, KIRO said.
—
Kerry Breen, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
With the ball at her feet and one defender to beat, Summit FC center back Kaleigh Kurtz shadowed her to perfection and held on long enough for her teammates to get back in support, and the play fizzled out.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
The Detroit Tigers scored four times in the eighth inning off relievers Jeremiah Estrada and Wandy Peralta and held on for a 5-2 victory.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
Florida Stoneman Douglas 7, Santa Margarita 6: The Eagles couldn’t hold on after opening a 6-1 lead.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Kerry Breen, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
With the ball at her feet and one defender to beat, Summit FC center back Kaleigh Kurtz shadowed her to perfection and held on long enough for her teammates to get back in support, and the play fizzled out.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
The Detroit Tigers scored four times in the eighth inning off relievers Jeremiah Estrada and Wandy Peralta and held on for a 5-2 victory.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
Florida Stoneman Douglas 7, Santa Margarita 6: The Eagles couldn’t hold on after opening a 6-1 lead.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
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The Thunder entered the night two games ahead of San Antonio in the race for homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs with six games remaining.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
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Even as prices rise, demand remains steady and drivers continue to feel the strain.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Colorado Hospital Association — which opposes the bill — says state laws require all hospitals to screen patients for discounted care, wait six months before garnishing wages, and provide 30 days' notice.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
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With the March 31 deadline approaching, experts warn that waiting too long can leave Medicare users paying more—and with fewer options—until the next enrollment period begins in October.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The 27-year-old Dominican continued his ascension with six innings of one-run ball in the Padres’ 3-2 win over the Red Sox in front of a sellout crowd at Fenway Park.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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The chase continued for several minutes until Judon crashed into a Ford sedan near the intersection of Garey Avenue and County Road, killing both of the vehicle's occupants.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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On the Porters’ season-opening trip to Tennessee, O’Leary did not start in any of the four games, but the junior infielder/pitcher stayed ready.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Apr. 2026
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The other day, a squad of dancers stretched and limbered up in the halls as, outside, the lions stayed still.—
Naaman Zhou,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The mission, expected to last about 10 days, is a critical demonstration that NASA's Orion crew capsule can handle a lunar mission with humans aboard before a landing is attempted as early as 2028.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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The family estimates the attack lasted between eight and 10 minutes.—
Tori Mason,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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