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Definitions

uphold

[uhp-hohld] / ʌpˈhoʊld /


Usage

What are other ways to say uphold?

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


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:

The influential leaders of UCLA’s Academic Senate sent a more measured letter to Frenk about their “concerns and reservations,” urging administrators and faculty to work together to uphold academic freedom.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 18, 2026

Burnham added that as "co-custodians of the Good Friday Agreement, we are working together to uphold its principles as we approach the 30th anniversary".

From BBC Sep. 18, 2026

Lee vowed that the inaugural plan would uphold Hong Kong's capitalist system.

From Barron's Sep. 16, 2026

For Antigone this is an imposition of political power over divine law, and she puts her life on the line to uphold her obligation to her family and faith.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 11, 2026

And if the Supreme Court agreed with her, then it would uphold her interpretation of the law.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

If the company upholds its decision, he should then file a complaint with his state’s insurance department and/or consult an attorney who specializes in property-insurance disputes.

From MarketWatch Aug. 18, 2026

The ruling essentially upholds similar bans enacted in 25 other states.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 7, 2026

"Either its people unite around a sovereign state that monopolises weapons, upholds the law and protects citizens irrespective of their affiliation or position, or it remains hostage to the logic of militias," he said.

From Barron's Jun. 13, 2026

South Korea's foreign ministry said Japan's defence policy "should ideally be carried out in a manner that upholds the spirit of the Peace Constitution while contributing to peace and stability in the region".

From BBC Apr. 21, 2026

“Vegetables are good for you; your mother says so too. Have some more,” she insists, until Father intervenes and upholds my right to refuse a dish I don’t like.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

The Civilian Oversight Commission has said that such assertions are unfounded, and that state law and court precedent require its subpoenas to be upheld.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 7, 2026

But on Aug. 7, the appeals court upheld the injunction and announced that its temporary stay would expire on Aug. 21.

From Slate Sep. 1, 2026

If the verdict is upheld, Gao would be due to complete his sentence in August 2027 as it would take into account the two years that he has already spent in detention.

From BBC Aug. 26, 2026

Two appeals courts have gone the other way and upheld age rules, including a Texas law on mail ballots for seniors that was challenged in 2020 amid the Covid pandemic.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 24, 2026

Seizing his chance, the rat dodged nimbly into the open, and battered madly at Matthias’s upheld shield until he was forced to drop it.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

A state appeals court decision upholding the marital status policy is being appealed to the state Supreme Court.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 16, 2026

Legal service providers said at the heart of the matter is upholding due process, protecting children from exploitation and ensuring the federal government follows its own laws.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 30, 2026

Belgium’s foreign minister, Maxime Prévot, who is a former soccer referee, said he had always been committed to upholding the rules and ensuring fair decisions.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 6, 2026

The executive producers include two daughters of Jacob Zuma - South Africa's former president and a proud polygamist who is greatly respected by his supporters for upholding his cultural and traditional Zulu beliefs.

From BBC Jun. 26, 2026

He was a leader of the legion now, doing what he was born to do—fighting the enemies of Rome, upholding its legacy, protecting the lives of his friends and comrades.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan




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