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Definitions

hold the fort

ADJECTIVE
unbending
Synonyms
STRONG
crisp firm obstinate reserved
WEAK
aloof distant do-or-die dug in formal hard as nails hard-line hold one's ground hold the line incompliant inelastic inexorable inflexible intractable locked-in obdurate relentless resolute set in stone severe single-minded standing one's ground standing pat sticking to one's guns stiff strict stubborn uncompromising unflexible unrelenting unswayable unyielding uptight
Antonyms
STRONG
flexible soft yielding
WEAK
bending pliable pliant relaxed
VERB
hold the line
Synonyms
WEAK
block check hang on hinder keep at bay obstruct stop
VERB
remain
Synonyms
STRONGEST
continue endure go on hover last linger live persist prevail stand stop survive wait
STRONG
abide bide bivouac bunk cling delay dwell freeze halt hang inhabit lodge nest outlast outlive pause perch reside rest roost sojourn squat tarry visit
WEAK
be left hang out hold over keep on make camp put on hold remain standing sit out sit through sit tight stay behind stay in stay over stay put stick around
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cease die discontinue go leave lie
STRONG
carry on depart hurry move
WEAK
forge
VERB
stay
Synonyms
STRONGEST
continue delay hang last linger remain reside settle stand stick around stop
STRONG
abide bide bunk dally endure halt hover lag loiter nest outstay pause perch procrastinate reprieve respite roost sojourn squat sweat tarry
WEAK
establish oneself hang about hang around hang in hang out put down roots sit tight stay out stay put sweat it out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance depart go hurry leave move rush
STRONG
carry on complete finish push

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 is that possible for next week? I genuinely do not know. My job was to come in and hold the fort, and the minute that someone is appointed, I will step aside."

From Barron's • Nov. 14, 2025

GM Pat Verbeek inherited coach Dallas Eakins and knew there was no hope the team would contend, so Verbeek hoped Eakins could at least hold the fort and help their kids develop.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2023

“We’ve got to hold the fort down until he’s ready.”

From Seattle Times • Dec. 27, 2022

For now, it is entirely down to volunteers to hold the fort.

From BBC • Dec. 23, 2021

‘Let us hope to hold the fort till morning.’

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

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