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Definitions

keep

[keep] / kip /
VERB
hold, maintain
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
VERB
tend; provide for
Synonyms
STRONGEST
conduct continue maintain manage operate protect run support sustain
STRONG
administer attend board command defend direct endure feed foster guard mind nourish nurture ordain provision safeguard shelter shield subsidize victual
WEAK
care for carry on look after minister to watch over
Antonyms
STRONGEST
neglect
STRONG
abandon deprive disregard endanger forget ignore mismanage starve
WEAK
disperse give give up let happen
VERB
prevent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
block check control delay limit stop
STRONG
arrest avert constrain curb detain deter hamper hamstring hinder impede inhibit obstruct restrain retard shackle stall withhold
WEAK
hold back
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance allow expedite let happen
STRONG
aid assist encourage facilitate free further help permit promote push release support
WEAK
give up ignore let happen
VERB
commemorate; pay attention to
Synonyms
STRONGEST
hold perform
STRONG
bless celebrate consecrate fulfill honor laud obey observe praise regard respect ritualize sanctify solemnize
WEAK
adhere to comply with
Antonyms
STRONG
condemn denounce dishonor disregard disrespect forget ignore miss neglect overlook reproach
WEAK
abandon

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.

The 56-year-old from the city of Santa Marta now earns his keep saving coral, which is vital for marine biodiversity.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

The government is spending roughly 5 billion ringgit a month, equivalent to about $1.27 billion, to subsidize RON95, the nation’s most widely used petrol grade, helping to keep domestic inflation in check.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

"Pens, paper, chocolates - anything to make it keep coming."

From BBC • May 6, 2026

“Caltrans cannot keep being in a reactive phase and then putting the city in a position of covering up for their failures.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

But there was no way to keep the badger here in Deadwood.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Vocabulary lists containing keep

"Four Skinny Trees"

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