Definitions

maintain

[meyn-teyn] / meɪnˈteɪn /

VERB

care for, keep up

Synonyms

STRONGEST

continue control cultivate finance keep manage preserve protect provide renew retain support sustain uphold

STRONG

advance conserve guard nurture perpetuate persevere prolong repair save supply

WEAK

carry on go on with keep going look after take care of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon destroy discontinue finish give up halt hurt ignore let go neglect release stop take

STRONG

squander waste

WEAK

condemn desert discard forget

VERB

assert, claim; argue for

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advocate declare defend emphasize hold insist say stress uphold

STRONG

affirm allege asseverate attest aver avow back champion contend correct justify persist profess protest rectify report right state vindicate

WEAK

fight for plead for stand by

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon attack deny desert forget forsake quit

STRONG

conceal give up leave repudiate

WEAK

condemn discard ignore neglect

Usage

What are other ways to say maintain? To maintain is to support so as to preserve intact: to maintain an attitude of defiance. To support is to hold up or add strength to, literally or figuratively: The columns support the roof. To sustain, a rather elevated word, suggests completeness and adequacy in supporting: The court sustained his claim. Uphold applies especially to supporting or backing another, as in a statement, opinion, or belief: to uphold the rights of a minority.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mandelson has not responded to requests for comment, but the BBC understands that he maintains he has not acted in any way criminally and that he was not motivated by financial gain.

From BBC

In a call after the letter was published, a Google employee of seven years said he found it "mind-boggling" that Google was maintaining its ties with the immigration enforcement bodies.

From BBC

Amazon.com may risk losing its edge, some analysts say, and now the company is spending heavily to try to maintain it.

From MarketWatch

Exports are expected to maintain momentum after hitting a record high in 2025, driven by robust demand linked to the global artificial-intelligence boom.

From The Wall Street Journal

These funds, by maintaining exposure to stocks at less risk, can help older investors stay the course.

From The Wall Street Journal

maintain

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words