1
as in remains
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 waits
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 holds on
Nava’s specific approach to reining in rogue behavior by AI agents is the creation of an escrow service that holds on to funds until an agent proposes a transaction.
—
Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026
The camera holds on them mid-ascent.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026
The camera holds on them mid-ascent.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds on
Verb
-
Standardized test scores have trended upward since the nadir of the COVID-19 pandemic, recovering faster than the state average, but the pace remains too incremental for critics.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Sources told Variety at the time that Marvel plans to keep a small visual development team, hiring people on a project by project basis, and remains committed to working with visual development artists on its projects.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
1 May 2026
-
When developing new menu items, the team waits 45 minutes before tasting them to mimic realistic delivery times.—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As the weather heats up, this blush is one of the most satisfying products that simultaneously cools me down and adds a stunning pop of color to my cheeks that actually lasts.—
Gina Vaynshteyn,
StyleCaster,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Those who are claustrophobic or afraid of the dark may prefer to pass on the ride, which lasts about 35 minutes.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Locally, stays at short-term rentals grew nearly 6% in the first three months of 2026 versus the same period last year.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
2 May 2026
-
Five-star hotel stays at more than $1,500 a night while dining at fine restaurants twice a day.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
Senior midfielder Peyton Brolley, Mane’s sister, continues to be impressed by her teammate and sibling.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Doe alleges the school’s failure to act caused long-term emotional and psychological harm that continues today.—
Lexi Nicklaus,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holds on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds%20on. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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