1
as in custody
responsibility for the safety and well-being of someone or something
put the house keys into a neighbor's secure keeping while they were on vacation
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2
as in hands
the fact or state of having (something) at one's disposal
my aunt has all of our family's old photographs in her keeping
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3
as in adherence
the following of a custom, rule, or law
the keeping of religious laws and traditions
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4
as in shape
a state of being or fitness
the estate hasn't been in good keeping since the owner suffered financial reverses
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1
as in celebrating
to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony
keep the Sabbath by not working
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2
as in retaining
to continue to have in one's possession or power
the money is yours to keep keep my secret and don't tell it to anyone
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3
as in fulfilling
to do what is required by the terms of
make sure you keep your promise to help out at the homeless shelter
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4
as in storing
to place somewhere for safekeeping or ready availability
I keep extra toothbrushes for unexpected overnight guests
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5
as in supporting
to pay the living expenses of
agreed to keep both of their children in off-campus housing until they graduated and found jobs
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6
as in managing
to look after and make decisions about
enlisted a relative to keep the store while she was away
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7
as in controlling
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
try to keep your composure no matter what happens
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8
as in protecting
to drive danger or attack away from
may God bless and keep you
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of keeping
John Tufts, IndyStar, 19 Dec. 2025
Kin keeping is invisible (but no less exhausting) work.
—Ana Serrano, Glamour, 14 Dec. 2025
Amber Love Bond, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025
Over the last 30 years, the Air More Uptempo ’96 has been reissued and restocked more than many comparable retro sneakers, with Nike often keeping the shoe available season to season.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for keeping
Noun
Climate scientists, meteorologists explain, use this as a way to simplify record keeping based on average seasonal monthly temperatures.
—Verb
These $14 Ruffle Ankle Socks would look great with these $36 Mary Jane Ballet Flats, creating a chic, girly look—while this Brushed Bomber Jacket is a great bargain at just $56 and can dress up any look while keeping you warm.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for keeping
Noun
-
Police have detained several people for questioning, but do not have a suspect in custody.—
-
The driver was placed in custody and taken to an area hospital for evaluation.—
Noun
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Ross, who was one of several federal agents involved in the arrest, initially drew his service weapon, but holstered the gun after Muñoz-Guatemala stopped his car and raised his hands, according to the affidavit.—
-
The deadly shooting of a 37-year-old woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in a residential neighborhood in south Minneapolis has brought back painful memories of another high-profile incident in which a civilian died at the hands of a law enforcement officer.—
Noun
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However, the focus of this early work was on issues specific to medicine, such as quality improvement or barriers to medication adherence.—
-
Tesla shareholders chose ambition, innovation, and long-term value creation over adherence to outdated orthodoxy.—
Noun
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About Modern Work Spaces Hackl says that efficient workflows are still the primary goal, but the concept has changed in a way that blurs the lines of the classic three-sided shape.—
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The brand notes that, thanks to durable materials, the mat will retain its shape, color, and absorbency for more than 100 washes — that’s up to 2 years of weekly washes.—
Verb
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Back in July, the actress shared a sweet post on her Instagram, celebrating her 23 years with her Moder.—
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But that doesn't mean there weren't some memorable moments worth celebrating!—
Verb
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The signature lumber is low-maintenance and resists staining, fading, and retaining moisture — even in coastal and harsh climates.—
-
The contemporary hull is designed to maximize openness while retaining a close connection with water.—
Verb
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Following too closely in its protagonist’s footsteps, The Queen of Versailles presents only two options — tough but spiritually fulfilling material deprivation or unconstrained acquisitiveness.—
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Being able to be with one of the biggest artists Puerto Rico has ever had in such a special month dedicated only to us is fulfilling to the heart.—
Verb
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There’s also a secret pocket in the waistband for storing small slender items like credit cards or an ID.—
-
Marvel has publicly acknowledged that the studio's productions often scan actors' bodies, though the scans are generally only used for visual effects purposes rather than storing actors' likenesses for future projects.—
Cite this Entry
“Keeping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keeping. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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