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upholding

ADJECTIVE
comforting
Synonyms
STRONGEST
encouraging reassuring refreshing soothing
STRONG
abating allaying alleviating assuaging consoling curing freeing inspiriting invigorating lightening mitigating relieving remedying restoring revitalizing revivifying softening solacing succoring sustaining tranquilizing warming
WEAK
analeptic consolatory health-giving heart-warming
Antonyms
WEAK
aggravating depressing dispiriting distressing disturbing irritating upsetting worrying
ADJECTIVE
respectful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
admiring appreciative civil considerate deferential gracious humble obedient polite reverent reverential self-effacing well-mannered
WEAK
courtly duteous dutiful obeisant recognizing regardful regarding solicitous submissive venerating
Antonyms
STRONGEST
discourteous disobedient disrespectful impolite inconsiderate insolent mean rude unkind unmannerly unrefined
ADJECTIVE
reverent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appreciative deferential gracious polite reverential solemn
WEAK
admiring devout dutiful humble obedient obeisant pious regardful worshipping
Antonyms
STRONGEST
impolite rude
ADJECTIVE
reverential
Synonyms
STRONGEST
admiring deferential polite solemn worshipful
WEAK
appreciative devout dutiful gracious humble obedient obeisant pious regardful venerational worshipping
Antonyms
STRONGEST
impolite
ADJECTIVE
venerational
Synonyms
WEAK
admiring appreciative deferential devout dutiful gracious humble obedient obeisant pious polite regardful reverential solemn worshipful worshipping
NOUN
advocacy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advancement assistance backing
STRONG
aid defense encouragement justification promotion promulgation propagation proposal recommendation urging
WEAK
campaigning for championing pleading for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
stop stoppage
STRONG
discouragement
WEAK
attack opposition protest
NOUN
preservation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
care conservancy conservation safeguarding safety security storage
STRONG
curing defense evaporation freezing guard guardianship keeping perpetuation refrigeration safeguard safekeeping salvation saving shield support sustentation tanning ward
WEAK
canning pickling preserval
Antonyms
STRONGEST
danger neglect
STRONG
endangerment harm hurt injury
WEAK
destruction ruin

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.

Upholding these values, which prize liberty and equality, is essential to preserving our democratic foundations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

Upholding Braverman's decision, the judges said H6 had won an "unusual degree of trust from a senior member of the Royal Family who was prepared to enter into business activities with him".

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2024

Upholding one state law by saying it’s not sex discrimination could lead to state bans on other similar care—namely for trans adults, as lawyers opposing and defending the law all conceded.

From Slate • Dec. 6, 2024

Upholding this legacy seems a more vital role for a critic than operating as a tour guide of commercial entertainments.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2024

Upholding the torch of liberty— which had been lighted on the fires of England.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes