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.

“That sounds maybe trite or simple, but the only way we hold on to our democracy is if people continue to participate and continue to trust it and put their faith in it.”

From Los Angeles Times

I think if love can inspire you to hold on to the things you care about, that’s really advantageous in art.

From Los Angeles Times

But it may be a mistake to assume these companies can hold on to this edge indefinitely.

From Barron's

Yes, I have taken players off for playing poorly, because we needed to hold on to a lead or were desperately trying to claw a goal back, but most of the time you have still got a plan.

From BBC

Continuation funds allow private-equity firms to hold on to a business while giving investors in the original fund a chance to cash out.

From The Wall Street Journal

hold on to

Example Sentences

Related Words