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Definitions

maintain

[meyn-teyn] / meɪnˈteɪn /




Usage

What are other ways to say maintain? To maintain is to support so as to preserve intact: to maintain an attitude of defiance. To support is to hold up or add strength to, literally or figuratively: The columns support the roof. To sustain, a rather elevated word, suggests completeness and adequacy in supporting: The court sustained his claim. Uphold applies especially to supporting or backing another, as in a statement, opinion, or belief: to uphold the rights of a minority.

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.

See Examples For:

Tau is normally found throughout the brain and nervous system, where it helps maintain the structure of neurons and the networks they form.

From Science Daily Jul. 20, 2026

Many individual investors maintain significant exposure to the Mag Seven—but they are increasingly funneling dollars toward less famous stocks that they are hoping will emerge as the next set of AI superstars.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 20, 2026

He is determined to hit the ground running and, where possible, to maintain the style of leadership he adopted as the mayor of Greater Manchester.

From BBC Jul. 19, 2026

It’s clear they also wanted to maintain the impunity conferred by America’s superpower status.

From Salon Jul. 19, 2026

Below this threshold, communities, businesses, social networks and military units can maintain themselves based mainly on intimate acquaintance and rumour-mongering.

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari

Unlike the others convicted in this case, Sanchez-Estrada was not at the protest and maintains he had no role in its planning.

From Salon Jul. 20, 2026

“Obviously, Umberto holds Journalism himself in the highest regard and maintains an incredible rapport with the horse,” Wellman said.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 17, 2026

And some more trust would be a good thing for a court that maintains “bafflingly unnecessary obstacles” to keep the public out of its business.

From Slate Jul. 15, 2026

It maintains Andriesz's employment was terminated after he refused to follow medical advice, declined to perform essential job duties, rejected reasonable accommodation, and ultimately abandoned his role.

From BBC Jul. 14, 2026

Those of us who frequent the band room have long suspected that Becca maintains her lovely figure by eating nothing but the souls of kittens and the dreams of impoverished children.

From "Paper Towns" by John Green

The tissue samples maintained much of their total collagen content and surface coverage, even after the coherence of their supramolecular chirality had deteriorated substantially.

From Science Daily Jul. 20, 2026

It’s unclear how thoroughly the boat, which was documented in Stockton, was maintained or inspected before this week’s voyage.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 17, 2026

At some point, Anna persuaded Max to plead guilty even though he maintained his innocence.

From Salon Jul. 17, 2026

Uganda records thousands of road deaths every year, with speeding, poorly maintained vehicles and dangerous roads among the leading causes, according to traffic authorities.

From BBC Jul. 17, 2026

The house, painted a pale green, was eerily neat and well maintained.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

This approach can produce reliable conclusions more quickly than a conventional trial while maintaining scientific rigor.

From Science Daily Jul. 19, 2026

But much of the one-time funds did ultimately go to increasing salaries, maintaining and expanding health benefits and hiring ongoing staff.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 17, 2026

Separate from the aid tent, protests at the facility persist, with a grassroots group of activists maintaining a mutual aid table of their own near the detention center.

From Salon Jul. 17, 2026

ArcBest expects the restructuring to generate about $40 million in annualized cost savings while maintaining service levels.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 16, 2026

Like all too many dictators, Cahokia’s rulers focused on maintaining their hold over the people, paying little attention to external reality.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann




Vocabulary lists containing maintain


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