1
as in grips
to have or keep in one's hands
this casserole dish is too hot to hold, so grab a potholder
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in retains
to continue to have in one's possession or power
she, and she alone, held the keys to the mysterious chest
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in thinks
to have as an opinion
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal"
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
5
as in has
to keep in one's mind or heart
still held her close to his heart, though they had long parted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in owns
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
the same family has held this piece of land for over 100 years
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
8
as in grasps
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms
please hold my arm on these slippery stairs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
10
as in regulates
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
we managed to hold our laughter until we got outside hold your temper until you hear the whole story
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11
as in aims
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal
held the camera on the actor throughout the scene
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in clasps
the act or manner of holding
make sure you have a firm hold on the chain saw before you turn it on
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in strongholds
a structure or place from which one can resist attack
the ruins of an ancient Roman hold
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3
as in controls
the right or means to command or control others
the government has no hold over where we live and work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in jails
a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody
upon hearing the guilty verdict, the accused realized that he would lie in that godforsaken hold for the remainder of his life
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5
as in understandings
the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something
I need to get hold of the situation before planning a course of action
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6
as in imprisonments
the state of being held in lawful custody
a suspected terrorist who was abducted at an airport and put in hold at an undisclosed location
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holds
Gene Maddaus, Variety, 21 Sep. 2025
No clothing item is worth dealing with discomfort, and that holds especially true for undergarments.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2025
The older man, who clearly holds a position of power in the New York mob, doesn’t waste time.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 21 Sep. 2025
Advertisement The United Kingdom's recognition holds particular resonance due to its prominent role in the foundation of Israel.
—Richard Hall, Time, 21 Sep. 2025
Alba Housed in a bubblegum-pink building in the small town of Alba, Piazza Duomo has ranked among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for the past three years and holds three Michelin stars.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2025
This storage workhorse may function well for some families, but modern thinking holds that closet pantries waste floor space.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Sep. 2025
The request was directed to the Republic of Korea, which holds the rotating presidency of the council.
—Nina Subkhanberdina, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2025
The Lithuanian defense minister warned that the biggest line of defense NATO holds right now, apart from its actual military readiness, is showing a united front to dissuade Moscow from taking direct action against a NATO member and prompting what could become a global war.
—Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2025
J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 13 Sep. 2025
The bowls have wavy, scalloped edges that give it an artisanal look as well as holds and cutouts for draining any lingering water.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
Adam’s 29 holds remain tied for second in the majors.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025
No holds barred Another highlight will be China showcasing its latest jet aircraft, especially its stealth-capable variants.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2025
Sometimes these are dropped off by individuals hired by marketers and won’t be blocked by mail holds.
—Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
If Harbaugh’s ground game travels and the secondary holds form, Los Angeles profiles as a weekly test for contenders and a late-season factor in the AFC West.
—Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
These are designed to control functions in a compatible Garmin chartplotter (sold separately), selecting options like preprogrammed waypoints and heading holds.
—New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2025
Among strong individual holds were Chile (+2%), Sweden (-6%), Germany (-11%), Holland (-17%), Saudi Arabia (-22%), Philippines (-23%), Brazil (-25%), France (-28%), Italy (-29%), Mexico (-29%), Argentina (-30%) and Australia (-31%).
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
If tradition holds, the DGA will have initial conversations with the Alliance for Motion Picture and Television Producers sometime by early next year.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 21 Sep. 2025
No clothing item is worth dealing with discomfort, and that holds especially true for undergarments.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2025
The older man, who clearly holds a position of power in the New York mob, doesn’t waste time.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 21 Sep. 2025
Advertisement The United Kingdom's recognition holds particular resonance due to its prominent role in the foundation of Israel.
—Richard Hall, Time, 21 Sep. 2025
Alba Housed in a bubblegum-pink building in the small town of Alba, Piazza Duomo has ranked among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for the past three years and holds three Michelin stars.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2025
This storage workhorse may function well for some families, but modern thinking holds that closet pantries waste floor space.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Sep. 2025
The request was directed to the Republic of Korea, which holds the rotating presidency of the council.
—Nina Subkhanberdina, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2025
The Lithuanian defense minister warned that the biggest line of defense NATO holds right now, apart from its actual military readiness, is showing a united front to dissuade Moscow from taking direct action against a NATO member and prompting what could become a global war.
—Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
Anime tends to be front-loaded at the box office, as eager fans flock to the earliest screenings possible, so how the rest of the weekend shakes out depends on Saturday holds.
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 13 Sep. 2025
The bowls have wavy, scalloped edges that give it an artisanal look as well as holds and cutouts for draining any lingering water.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
Adam’s 29 holds remain tied for second in the majors.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025
No holds barred Another highlight will be China showcasing its latest jet aircraft, especially its stealth-capable variants.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2025
Sometimes these are dropped off by individuals hired by marketers and won’t be blocked by mail holds.
—Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
If Harbaugh’s ground game travels and the secondary holds form, Los Angeles profiles as a weekly test for contenders and a late-season factor in the AFC West.
—Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
These are designed to control functions in a compatible Garmin chartplotter (sold separately), selecting options like preprogrammed waypoints and heading holds.
—New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2025
Among strong individual holds were Chile (+2%), Sweden (-6%), Germany (-11%), Holland (-17%), Saudi Arabia (-22%), Philippines (-23%), Brazil (-25%), France (-28%), Italy (-29%), Mexico (-29%), Argentina (-30%) and Australia (-31%).
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds
Verb
-
The latest such exchange – from a reader in Australia, too far for a pint – related to the looming fiscal catastrophe that uniquely grips most of the major G7 economies and China.—
Mike O'Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The film grips the attention from the opening frames – grainy archive footage of a man wearing a gas mask who drives a pickup truck down a road bordered by white cylindrical storage containers.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The soft details include a tagless design and chafe-free stitching, and the crew neck retains its shape well.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The result is a retro profile that still retains a contemporary appeal.—
Katia Damborsky,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Liz Thomas, head of investment strategy at online bank and finance platform SoFi, thinks the Fed might be playing with fire.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Instead of leading with questions about salary or credit scores, start by paying attention to how someone thinks about money.—
Essence,
Essence,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The country club contains a golf course, a wedding venue and a restaurant.—
Jack Moore,
ABC News,
21 Sep. 2025
-
The Armor of Aphrodite is a $16 drink with Yuzu vodka, elderflower liqueur, sloe gin, strawberry, pink peppercorn, lemon and egg whites (elderflower contains a high level of antioxidants).—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The aforementioned head also has lights, with batteries included, and a tiny switch behind the neck.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
The newspaper reported at the time that Zinn has a criminal record dating back to 1989 that includes dozens of convictions for petty crimes such as criminal trespass, theft of services, interfering with a police officer and disturbing the peace.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Austin Slater owns a prominent spot on that list.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
20 Sep. 2025
-
The media firm owns large-market stations in New York (WPIX), Los Angeles (KTLA), Chicago (WGN-TV) and Philadelphia (WPHL-TV) in addition to several smaller broadcasters.—
Ty Roush,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The deposition will further be conducted at a date and time that is convenient for Williams and that accommodates her medical condition, including sufficient breaks and spanning no more than three days.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
-
On top of that, a gallery rail system easily accommodates different frame sizes, shapes, weights, and thicknesses, which allows for ultra-layered, completely unique arrangements.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The photo shows Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on one knee as Swift grasps his face.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Aug. 2025
-
Valeria finally grasps the extent of Manu’s deception after finding Bea dead in her hotel room.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
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