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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.

Yet Novo Nordisk plans to avoid the mistakes that hurt it during the last round, and will seek to hold on to its early lead by emphasizing the effectiveness of its pill.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

But why, oh why, do they hold on to Blake Treinen and Tanner Scott?

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

Those fortunate enough to hold on to their coverage can expect higher premiums, huge deductibles and curtailed benefits.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

And while I do hold on to some books, I don’t like to accumulate too many.

From Slate • Mar. 8, 2026

I dropped my ax when that wave hit me, but at least I managed to hold on to the crown.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.