1
as in ruling
a decision made by a court or tribunal regarding a case it has heard
the court's holding was based on an interpretation of the First Amendment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in possession
usually holdings plural
transportable items that one owns
the museum's holdings of ancient manuscripts are among the rarest in the world
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in clutching
to have or keep in one's hands
this casserole dish is too hot to hold, so grab a potholder
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in keeping
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 thinking
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
as in containing
to have within
the mysterious chest held an ancient book on magic spells and potions
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5
as in having
to keep in one's mind or heart
still held her close to his heart, though they had long parted
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in owning
to keep, control, or experience as one's own
the same family has held this piece of land for over 100 years
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in accommodating
to make or have room for
the couple needed to rent a hall that would hold 300 people
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8
as in grasping
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms
please hold my arm on these slippery stairs
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in considering
to think of in a particular way
held to be the best blueberry pies in the state
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10
as in controlling
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
11
as in aiming
to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal
held the camera on the actor throughout the scene
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of holding
Bruce Yandle, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026
That would eliminate the free ride that investors can enjoy by borrowing against their holdings.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
The Panthers’ defense clamped down on the Saints throughout much of the first half, holding New Orleans to seven points.
—Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding
Noun
In December, the United States had $36 trillion in public debt on the books and holding.
—Verb
Summer brings enormous, heaven-scented blooms that ripen to attractive cones holding bright red seeds.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding
Noun
-
He was granted release from detention during the short window when federal judges issued rulings that blocked ICE from deporting Venezuelans with TPS such as himself.—
-
Multiple studies, bipartisan election officials, and court rulings across the country have found fraud rates measured not in percentages, but in fractions of a fraction of a percent.—
Noun
-
Zubimendi won possession 12 times during that match — the most by any Arsenal player in a game this season.—
-
Troopers also seized an unregistered gun and ammunition from Cook, who is charged with trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.—
Verb
-
Flagg went down clutching his left knee.—
-
After the injury, Jokic could be seen on the floor clutching his knee.—
Verb
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Bure is keeping her faith — and her Christmas crown — shining bright.—
-
Martin legitimately pinned the Saints’ offense on almost every drive in the first half, keeping the game close, even with New Orleans leading at halftime.—
Verb
-
The makeup of the roster and the team's second-highest preseason ranking in Wieber's seven seasons has her thinking the group could create a special season.—
-
As oblivion approached, with all its attendant possibilities of panic or bitterness, Bowie summoned the generosity to evoke the ordeal of one prematurely dying man while also thinking and creating at the no less vast scale of life itself.—
Verb
-
This changed with the draining and containing of the Everglades and explosive growth and development that followed.—
-
The changes saw Fielder do a much better job of containing Demirel, allowing the Broncos to fight back and take a 9-8 lead.—
Verb
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From frequent favorites like Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez and George and Amal Clooney, to couples having a rare date night like Julia Roberts and Danny Moder and Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Moroney, significant others had a significant presence.—
-
Jaffery describes it as an unfortunate oversight and a prime example on the importance of having diverse voices at the table when making decisions.—
Verb
-
Chieng appealed to the scientist in Dubner while absolutely owning the pop scientist, and that’s a gorgeous move for an interviewer.—
-
Dane, of Sanford, sold his car last year because of the high costs associated with owning a vehicle and has since relied on public transportation.—
Cite this Entry
“Holding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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