holding (past)

Definition of holding (past)next
present participle of hold (past)
See the Dictionary Definition 

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding (past)
drawing out
Verb
  • Iran views this war as existential, assessing that painfully drawing out the conflict can prevent another return to fighting.
    Alexander Langlois, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
  • L’Iris is a gorgeous iteration, drawing out the tender green freshness of iris alongside feminine neroli and jasmine petals.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 9 Mar. 2026
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Holding (past).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20%28past%29. Accessed 4 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster