maintenance
Usage
What are other ways to say maintenance?
Generally, maintenance refers to care or upkeep, as of machinery or property. But sometimes, maintenance refers to what is spent for the living of another: to provide for the maintenance or support of someone. Maintenance occasionally refers to the allowance itself provided for livelihood: They are entitled to a maintenance from this estate. Living and livelihood (a somewhat more formal word), both refer to what one earns to keep (oneself) alive, but are seldom interchangeable within the same phrase: to earn one's living; to threaten one's livelihood. “To make a living” suggests making just enough to keep alive, and is particularly frequent in the negative: You cannot make a living out of that. “To make a livelihood out of something” suggests rather making a business of it: to make a livelihood out of knitting hats.
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.
Thursday's verdict concludes a four-year trial largely focused on maintenance of the bridge, which was inaugurated in 1967.
From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026
Because it requires no electrical power or maintenance, the instrument can remain on the lunar surface as a permanent location marker.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 14, 2026
The chef said he understands why people might be surprised by the price, but in addition to rent, labor, utilities, equipment, maintenance and insurance, the sandwich ingredients alone cost him $12.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2026
I estimate I’ve spent less than $1,000 on routine maintenance over those eight years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026
“Look,” said Kojo, “There’re ladder rungs down the side. It’s like a maintenance hole leading down into the sewers.”
From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein
Vocabulary lists containing maintenance
Freak the Mighty
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Declaration of the Rights of Woman (1791)
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Franklin D. Roosevelt, "A Date That Will Live In Infamy" (1941)
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