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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 BBC says it did not uphold any of the allegations of antisemitism but accepted there were "shortcomings" in how it treated Kon, which had a "personal impact" on her.

From BBC ● Oct. 26, 2026

The Icom code, which was revised in June, states museums should "uphold the inherent dignity of human remains and promote respect for their significance".

From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2026

The failure in the Cornell case lies with members who misconstrue the values that make fraternities great, not the students at thousands of fraternity chapters across the country who uphold them.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026

Nevertheless, "I remain confident that the rule of law will endure because so many continue to uphold it faithfully each day throughout our legal system," the former prosecutor said.

From Barron's ● Sep. 29, 2026

Questioning a man’s ghayrat, or ability to uphold his family’s honor, was one of the most insulting things you could say to a Pukhtun.

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai

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

We upholds the family’s honor, and we never speaks ill of them — though Professor Dumbledore told Dobby he does not insist upon this.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling

A federal appeals court upheld the order in 2025.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 26, 2026

Circuit upheld his decision on a 2-1 vote, prompting the administration’s appeal to the Supreme Court.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026

In July, an appeals court upheld the ruling, sentencing her to a three-year prison term, with two of the years suspended.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2026

"The Labour Party expects the highest standards from our elected representatives and we have robust processes in place to ensure those high standards are upheld," they said.

From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2026

The emperor switched his gaze to Yishan, or rather to Yishan’s upheld hands.

From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin

Still, it’s worth upholding this turnaround as an example of why speaking out on animal rights can be successful.

From Salon ● Oct. 9, 2026

The Walter family issued a press release that said it is upholding its philanthropic commitments and highlighted its funding to Academy Group.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 4, 2026

Lee offered no explanation of why he was upholding her sentence.

From Slate ● Oct. 1, 2026

A spokesperson for the department said it was "committed to restoring nature and cleaning up our rivers whilst upholding the highest animal welfare standards".

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026

The Civil War was being fought in the hopes of keeping the Union together and upholding the Constitution—not for the abolition of what Southerners liked to call “the peculiar institution.”

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith


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