keep to

verb

kept to; keeping to; keeps to
Synonyms of keep tonext

transitive verb

1
a
: to stay in
b
: to limit oneself to
2
: to abide by

Examples of keep to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Story Continues Rompola is still alive and well, living in Michigan and keeping to himself. — Richard P. Smith, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026 Both kept to their characteristically understated style, mirroring each other in elevated basics. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026 The next day, Luwi kept to himself, looking through books about Papua New Guinea. — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Pilgrims walk between temples, rest in historic ryokan and keep to contemplative daily rituals that discourage mass, high-speed tourism. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for keep to

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of keep to was in 1640

Rhymes for keep to

See All Rhymes for keep to

Browse Nearby Words

keep time
keep to
keep to oneself
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Keep to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20to. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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