Definitions

kept

[kept] / kɛpt /

ADJECTIVE

preserved

Synonyms

STRONG

conserved stored

WEAK

put up

Antonyms

WEAK

abandoned broken dishonored forgotten

ADJECTIVE

retained

Synonyms

STRONG

clutched guarded held maintained reserved saved withheld

WEAK

at hand on file watched over

Antonyms

WEAK

abandoned broken dishonored forgotten

ADJECTIVE

observed

Synonyms

STRONG

celebrated commemorated continued followed fulfilled honored obeyed regarded solemnized unbroken

Antonyms

WEAK

abandoned broken dishonored forgotten

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.

Kept Hadjar behind in the early stages but ultimately his race was ruined by the safety car.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

"Kept chipping away. Got some stops, made some shots and there it is."

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

Appeared in the October 6, 2025, print edition as 'Starbucks Kept Cuts Under Wraps'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 4, 2025

Camas was featured in the “Best Kept Secrets” category, while Eugene was included in “Not Just College Towns.”

From Seattle Times • Apr. 11, 2024

Kept her from doing all the things that she did.

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt