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.

More than anything, he wanted to maintain his living environment as a model of the traditional Yoruba setting, a place for people to come and learn about the old ways.

From BBC

During earlier evidence sessions, senior officials had maintained the infections were complex with multiple possible sources.

From BBC

Because GluDs help regulate synapses, drugs that target these proteins could help maintain synapse function over time.

From Science Daily

Fatal road collisions are common in South Africa, due to factors such as rampant speeding, reckless driving and poorly maintained vehicles.

From BBC

The German researchers suggest several possible reasons: The exporters might have found buyers in other countries, or they might think final tariff levels will change and they will maintain price levels in the meantime.

From The Wall Street Journal

maintain

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words