holding up 1 of 2

holding up

2 of 2

verb

present participle of hold up
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as in flying
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval an argument that won't hold up in court

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 holding up
Verb
Moore reposted the photo on X showing the young fan excitedly holding up his new merch. Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 The images include one showing Kuznetsov on one knee proposing to Nikolau, and Nikolau holding up her ring while looking south across the New York City skyline. Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 1 July 2026 In her classic book Atlas Shrugged, Rand used the Greek myth of Atlas holding up the world as a metaphor. Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Brandsema explained that humans are born with one pool of motor neurons for life, and SMA slowly robs individuals of their motor neurons over time, leaving them with difficulty walking or running, holding up their heads, or even swallowing food and liquid safely. Ciara McCarthy 15, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 2026 The Home Depot results echo early spring spending data that suggests consumers are still holding up all right — but not evenly. Allie Canal, NBC news, 19 May 2026 Barthélémy is beautiful, luminous, committed, and vulnerable — and therefore just about succeeds in holding up Mount Olympus as the only character with interiority across the two-hour running time. Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 18 May 2026 However, there’s more than wood holding up the Marpole. Stefan Ionescu may 12, New Atlas, 12 May 2026 But another federal agency was apparently holding up the revision. Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding up
Adjective
  • Taking the lead in helping Cavalli mature, in ways that have nothing to do with his stuff, would be among their most important and lasting works.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • The attacks have inflicted lasting damage that will be costly to fix.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • On Thursday, June 25, Live Nation Chicago confirmed in an Instagram post that Richie would be postponing his next two Sing A Song All Night Long Tour shows in Chicago and Columbus, Ohio.
    Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
  • But the Supreme Court reversed those rulings, saying in a 6-3 decision that immigrants from Syria and Haiti are not entitled to judicial orders postponing the terminations of their temporary deportation protections.
    Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Technology led to the suspect's arrest Officers obtained doorbell camera footage, which showed a silver SUV stopping along a curb on Majors Choice Drive.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Its compact size and functional interior and exterior pockets will make zipping through airport security or stopping for gas on road trips a breeze — no more digging through disorganized totes to locate your wallet and phone.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Florida’s sanctuary city laws forbid local governments from impeding ICE from doing its job, such as by not sharing information with the federal government.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
  • Fifteen people, most of them Minnesotans, were arrested and charged last week, accused of impeding Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
    Esme Murphy, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • Su expects the industry to eventually consolidate around a handful of major players, with the rest surviving on local government subsidies or support from other backers.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • That’s because his is the rarest, with only about 50 surviving documents bearing his autograph.
    Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • In a large bowl beat butter, oil, and the remaining 1/2 cup honey with a mixer on medium 30 seconds.
    Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026
  • The remaining four states restrict participation through state education agencies or athletic association rules rather than official state legislation.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Taylor loves her Easter eggs, and there are rumors flying that Madison Square Garden is simply a bold ploy to redirect fans’ (and the media’s) attention away from where her true nuptials will be.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • So, at this point, the town of Calistoga doesn't seem willing to take a chance that flying cars will be showing up any time soon.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • While delaying benefits is typically optimal, a hypothetical 22% cut by 2033 significantly shifts optimal claiming ages for many single individuals, potentially encouraging earlier filing, but often not for married couples.
    Steve Vernon, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Some workers were granted exemptions, and a handful of departments were delaying implementation of the governor’s mandate.
    Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Holding up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20up. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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