Definitions

hold on to

VERB

squeeze

Synonyms

STRONGEST

clutch compress cram crush grip pack pinch press stuff wedge wring

STRONG

bear choke clasp clip contract crowd cuddle embrace enfold force hug jam jostle nip quash ram scrunch squash squish strangle throttle thrust

WEAK

hold tight

Antonyms

STRONGEST

let go release uncompress

STRONG

allow free loose push away shun

WEAK

expand

VERB

keep

Synonyms

STRONGEST

carry conduct control enjoy have manage place preserve put retain save store

STRONG

accumulate amass cache conserve deposit detain direct garner grasp grip heap own pile possess reserve season stack stock withhold

WEAK

care for deal in hold back put up trade in

Antonyms

STRONGEST

displace fail hurt let go lose remove squander want waste

STRONG

disperse dispossess dissipate divide neglect release scatter separate spend use up

WEAK

abandon consume give give up hand over ignore let happen

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.

"And so obviously they want to hold on to their best workers, the ones that would have the best chance of making it out in the mainstream economy."

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

The change is intended to give more latitude to players who may accidentally hold on to an opponent's hair.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

Other times, it may be worthwhile to hold on to an item and see what offers materialize.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 16, 2026

“I will hold on to that for the rest of my career — for the rest of my life,” she says of being directed by Spielberg.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026

After watching for a while, I’d lower myself into the water and hold on to the side of the canoe, trying to quell my panic and get used to being out in open water.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

hold on to

Example Sentences

Related Words