hold on

verb

Definition of hold onnext
1
as in to remain
to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state the ancient beliefs still held on in remote mountain villages

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to wait
to remain in place in readiness or expectation of something hold on a minute—it's not your turn

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hold on The 2025 Oscars, held on March 2, delivered a five-year high in both total viewers (19.69 million) and adults 18-49 (4.54 rating) and ranked as the No. 1 primetime entertainment telecast in both total viewers and adults for the 2024-25 season. — Paul Grein, Billboard, 17 Mar. 2025 The Celtics nearly let go of their lead by allowing 11 points over the final 1:26, but Payton Pritchard, who established an NBA record for most 3-pointers off the bench in a single season, sank several key free throws to hold on. — Jay King, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025 These examples from our common cultural heritage prove that the Left’s hold on the arts need not amount to a permanent victory. — Peter Tonguette, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025 He was held on a $250,000 bond and was schedule to be arraigned at Derby Superior Court on Thursday. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hold on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold on
  1. remain
  2. wait
  3. continue
  4. stay
  5. last
Verb
  • Gray de Sanders hit 1-of-2 free throws with 5 seconds remaining and DP’s Kendall Perry missed a desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer.
    — Chris Hays, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Just Ice Tea bottle while the price of a 16-ounce Tropicana orange juice with 220 calories (44 grams of sugar) would remain unchanged.
    — Seth Goldman, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of remain
Verb
  • But the longer the Jets wait, the more the cost of doing business will continue to increase.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2025
  • In the movie, these figures are all here for the main event, the one fans have been waiting to see realized on screen.
    — Nick Romano, EW.com, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of wait
Verb
  • Bears land Falcons center Drew Dalman March 10: The Bears agreed to terms on a three-year, $42 million deal with Dalman as the team continued its overhaul of the offensive line, per sources.
    — Kevin Fishbain, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Seeing festival audiences respond so viscerally to the film’s complex story and extraordinary performances has been incredibly rewarding and proof that these films need to continue to be made.
    — Katcy Stephan, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of continue
Verb
  • The Dagny celebrates the building’s next era while staying true to its vibrant past.
    — Emma Kershaw, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • What is the best way to stay private, secure and anonymous while browsing the web?
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of stay
Verb
  • The teenager’s strong Burnley accent meant his rendition made a lasting impression.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • All of the phases of the eclipse are expected to last around six hours.
    — Kelly Tyko, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of last

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hold on
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Cite this Entry

“Hold on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20on. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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