uphold
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:
They said patient safety remained the "highest priority" and that all staff were expected "to always uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism".
From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026
It also provided an early lesson in how justices can uphold the fundamental principles of the Constitution despite intense opposition in much of the nation.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026
Prevention happens not only through laws and prosecutions, but also through the values communities choose to uphold.
From Salon ● Jul. 18, 2026
"Each time that the other party has failed to meet its obligations, we did not uphold ours," he added.
From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026
We have decided to uphold the official complaint of Mr. Lucius Malfoy, and this matter will therefore be taken to the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures.
From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling
![]()
Gilles Bouleau, the news anchor, repeatedly pressed her on what she will do if France’s high court upholds the appellate ruling and requires her to wear an electronic bracelet—an unprecedented scenario.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026
The decision upholds a turn-back policy that began in 2016 as an emergency response to a surge of Haitian immigrants at the San Ysidro border crossing.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026
Instead of blanket-dismissing tech entrepreneurs or wholesale manifesting a god in the machine, Pope Leo has sought a careful, studied, moral middle ground: one that encourages technological progress but upholds human dignity above all.
From Slate ● May 28, 2026
"The Court of Justice dismisses Lufthansa's appeal and thus upholds the General Court's ruling to annul the decision by which the Commission had approved the recapitalisation of Lufthansa," it said in a statement.
From Barron's ● Apr. 23, 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
![]()
While the doctors' murder convictions were upheld, the appeals court reduced their jail sentences.
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026
If there is a will, he will likely have named an executor to wrap up his affairs, pay any remaining debts and ensure his wishes are upheld.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026
Holding that “jurisdiction” plainly means “the power of the United States to govern those within its territory,” Roberts upheld the citizenship of nearly all children born in the U.S.
From Slate ● Jul. 15, 2026
In 1898, the Supreme Court upheld the rule of citizenship at birth in the case of Wong Kim Ark, who was born in San Francisco to Chinese parents.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026
Volpe’s current students want his former ones to know that the tradition has been upheld.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
![]()
But it suffered a legal blow in June last year when the EU top court's adviser recommended upholding the fine in an opinion, describing Google's arguments as "ineffective".
From Barron's ● Jul. 2, 2026
But its most famous line—“Attention must be paid”—illuminates its greater significance as a drama upholding the importance of the individual, an idea enshrined in the Declaration of Independence itself.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026
The father added there was "too much focus on cost savings, rather than upholding the principles of the system".
From BBC ● May 20, 2026
“Our responsibility goes beyond adopting regulations — we are committed to upholding them by identifying violations and holding companies accountable for meeting emissions standards.”
From Los Angeles Times ● May 19, 2026
But upholding the Patel family’s reputation for high standards in zookeeping was not my concern in the case at hand.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
![]()
Vocabulary lists containing uphold
Beowulf vocabulary
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT Words Beginning with "U"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Ghost Boys
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!