KEEP Synonyms: 268 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'keep' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of keep are celebrate , commemorate , and observe . While all these words mean "to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed," keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating. // kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

Q: Where would 'celebrate' be a reasonable alternative to 'keep'?

While in some cases nearly identical to keep , celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity. // traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

Q: When might 'commemorate' be a better fit than 'keep'?

In some situations, the words commemorate and keep are roughly equivalent. However, commemorate suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event. // commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths

Q: When is it sensible to use 'observe' instead of 'keep'?

Although the words observe and keep have much in common, observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance. // not all holidays are observed nationally

keep 1 of 2

verb

ˈkēp

Definition of keep next

as in to celebrate

to mark with an appropriate practice, rite, or ceremony keep the Sabbath by not working

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to retain

to continue to have in one's possession or power the money is yours to keep keep my secret and don't tell it to anyone

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as in to fulfill

to do what is required by the terms of make sure you keep your promise to help out at the homeless shelter

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as in to store

to place somewhere for safekeeping or ready availability I keep extra toothbrushes for unexpected overnight guests

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as in to maintain

to pay the living expenses of agreed to keep both of their children in off-campus housing until they graduated and found jobs

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as in to manage

to look after and make decisions about enlisted a relative to keep the store while she was away

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as in to control

to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) try to keep your composure no matter what happens

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as in to protect

to drive danger or attack away from may God bless and keep you

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keep

2 of 2

noun

as in preserving

the act or activity of keeping something in an existing and usually satisfactory condition the keep of the stable is mainly left to the two equine-loving daughters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word keep different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of keep are celebrate, commemorate, and observe. While all these words mean "to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed," keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating.

kept the Sabbath by refraining from work

Where would celebrate be a reasonable alternative to keep?

While in some cases nearly identical to keep, celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity.

traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner

When might commemorate be a better fit than keep?

In some situations, the words commemorate and keep are roughly equivalent. However, commemorate suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event.

commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths

When is it sensible to use observe instead of keep?

Although the words observe and keep have much in common, observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance.

not all holidays are observed nationally

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 keep

Verb

Amazon, the nation’s second-largest private employer, has long sought to keep unions out of its ranks. —

Annie Palmer, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2025 As much as their two best players kept lighting it up all the way to All-Star Weekend. —

Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 15 Feb. 2025

Noun

Imagine your car dropping you off at work and then spending the day earning its keep as a ride-share vehicle. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 16 Oct. 2024 Roberts has rightfully earned his keep and should be appreciated and respected by all. —

Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for keep

Recent Examples of Synonyms for keep

Verb

Set collective benchmarks, whether improving efficiency or patient outcomes, and celebrate those achievements together.

— Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
Since then, May 3, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek, is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.

— Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025