Definitions

keep the ball rolling

VERB

continue

Synonyms

STRONGEST

advance carry on carry over endure extend go on last linger maintain persist progress promote pursue reach remain stay survive sustain

STRONG

abide lengthen loiter outlast outlive persevere project prolong rest ride stand uphold

WEAK

draw out forge ahead get on with it hang in keep at keep on keep on truckin' keep up live on make headway move ahead never cease perdure persist in press on push on run on stay on stick at stick to

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cease condemn decrease depart discontinue go halt ignore leave retreat retrogress stop take back

STRONG

abbreviate move quit refuse reject shorten

WEAK

complete desist end finish

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.

keep the ball rolling

That could keep the ball rolling for future growth for these companies — or it could pose an existential risk.

From MarketWatch ● Dec. 20, 2025

The recent holiday campaign featuring Martha Stewart should keep the ball rolling.

From Barron's ● Dec. 2, 2025

"After that, I wanted to challenge everything - keep the ball rolling," says Gibb.

From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2023

And municipalities need to keep the ball rolling on single-use bans.

From Salon ● Aug. 17, 2022

"It was hard to keep the ball rolling at dinner, certainly," said Richard.

From The Voyage Out by Virginia Woolf