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
When Rotta the Hutt is kidnapped and held on a new planet, Shakari, Göransson goes hard on the electronic synths.
—
Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 23 May 2026
Gonzales has since been arrested and is being held on a $150,000 bond, according to court records.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2026
The runoff will be held on June 16.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 23 May 2026
It has just been announced that the 2026 Surfers’ Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on July 31.
—Corky Carroll, Oc Register, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 23 May 2026
Gonzales has since been arrested and is being held on a $150,000 bond, according to court records.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2026
The runoff will be held on June 16.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 23 May 2026
It has just been announced that the 2026 Surfers’ Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on July 31.
—Corky Carroll, Oc Register, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
Verb
-
Burrow has dealt with injuries throughout his career but remains one of the premier talents at the position when healthy.—
Saad Yousuf,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
But the billionaires’ tax cuts remain.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
The big white buses were jammed to capacity by midday, as were the bus stops, where people often had to wait for several shuttles to pass before one arrived with room.—
Jack Dolan,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
-
Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
As rain bands continued moving across Central Florida, water systems in Orlo Vista began backing up from the ground level.—
Greg Bennett,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
-
The exercise and environment were romantic; the conversation was good, and that continued for about three-quarters of the walk.—
Eric Thomas,
Sun Sentinel,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
Her mother, Sara Spalding, attended Yale Law School and built a successful career for herself before ultimately deciding to stay home and raise her four kids.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
24 May 2026
-
Children are influenced by the adults around them, so remaining calm and staying aware of adult conversations about the hurricane’s aftermath will help your child weather any storm.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
My lawyer strongly advised me to take a long holiday, which eventually lasted a year.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
-
Unlike the high school recruiting process, the portal window lasts about two weeks — not months (or in some cases, years).—
Grace Raynor,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
