as in to limit
to set bounds or an upper limit for
efforts to hold down taxes keep running up against the legislature's ingrained unwillingness to cut spending
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in fastener
Related 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 hold down
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2026
Both women had been held down and penetrated by Rideout in the middle of the night.
—S. C. Cornell, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 9 Apr. 2024
If the hold-down clamp is not tightened properly, the battery could move, allowing the positive terminal to contact the clamp and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire, the company said.
—CBS News, 1 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for hold down
Verb
On the side, Abel also held down a job riding his bike around his hometown of Edmonton, Canada, dispersing advertising fliers around neighborhoods for just a quarter of a cent for every delivery.
—Noun
Then, 12 hold-down bolts fired and freed the Delta IV Heavy for its climb into space with a top-secret payload for the US government's spy satellite agency.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold down
Verb
-
Instead, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow bolstered the pitching staff with a lefty who doesn't throw hard but limits home runs and keeps batters off balance by changing speeds and hitting the corners.—
-
Cotton told the Los Angeles Times that they were not only limited to the estate's size — needing rooms big enough for the famous round table — but also its unique vibe.—
Noun
-
The sight led him to imagine a new kind of fastener, one that wouldn’t rely on knots or glue.—
-
And new for the season, the brand presented a family of grainy leather and lightweight suede flap bags — in small and mini styles and sizes — with the signature H fastener.—
Verb
-
Besides being soft to the touch, the Vuori joggers have a four-way stretch to keep you cozy without restricting movement.—
-
Vendors would also be restricted from operating within 500 feet of freeway on-ramps or off-ramps.—
Noun
-
Residential properties made up just under a third of the average family office's real estate holdings, per the same report.—
-
With Jonathan Aspirot in the box for holding, Chandler Stephenson redirected a Jared McCann shot from the low slot past Swayman and the lead was halved.—
Verb
-
Progressive caucus members have also discussed legislation to tighten the reporting requirements for multinational corporations who might shift profits into tax havens offshore.—
-
Georgia cut the lead to 59-52 on a 3-pointer by Kanon Catchings, but the Bulldogs missed their next seven of eight shots as Florida’s defense tightened its grip.—
Noun
-
Boston College’s Grace Campbell (32 saves) was stellar as well, allowing just McGathey’s goal in the first period before a 14-save second carried a 1-1 tie into the third.—
-
Authorities have not revealed any motive for the killing, but court documents indicate the case has significant ties to local drug sales.—
Noun
-
This incredibly lightweight, breathable windbreaker jacket has an adjustable bungee cord collar and waist for a custom fit, as well as two large pockets at the front.—
-
The men’s version of the brand’s classic crewnec has ribbing at the collar, cuff, and hem, and it’s made of fleece that’s soft to the touch.—
Cite this Entry
“Hold down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20down. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
