Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

That approach, he said, ran in contrast to the one it took in years past, where it limited availability for its more fashionable products “to maintain an aura of coolness around the brand.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

However, its product’s low stickiness and the high costs needed for training to maintain model leadership are headwinds, the analysts say in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

This balance allowed the system to maintain a steady flow.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2026

When this happened, their Bayern team-mates would move into the back-line to maintain a solid defensive shape.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

This discipline is of such efficacy that not only does it maintain those who were born princes, but it enables men of private station on many occasions to rise to that position.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli




Vocabulary lists containing maintain