HOLDING ON Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

holding on 1 of 2

adjective

as in holding up

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holding on

2 of 2

verb

present participle of hold on

as in remaining

to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state the ancient beliefs still held on in remote mountain villages

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in waiting

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 holding on

Verb

There’s nothing wrong with holding on to childhood and being a little immature from time to time. — Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Aug. 2026 That puts me in the same boat as many millennials and Gen Zers holding on to the family phone plan, one of their last financial ties to their parents. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2026 Schmidt is currently holding on to the collection, though certain items are expected to be auctioned off to further support Stücke and LSVD+. — Sara Belcher, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026 Argyle, a quiet community holding on to its rural roots, is at a crossroads with rapid growth and traffic congestion driving the need to widen FM 407, which goes through the town in southern Denton County. — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026 Kaity Schultz's husband, Chris, said the road ahead will be long, but their family is holding on to hope. — Marissa Perlman, CBS News, 27 May 2026 Eveningside’s smaller arms holding on to the chains while Morningside’s longer arms propelled them, her fists and excess joints braced against the ground; their span lengthening, extending and retracting in the girls’ to and fro. — Literary Hub, 20 May 2026 Now, holding on to Paredes may prove to be a season-saving decision. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 6 May 2026 Older employees are holding on to roles for longer, delaying the upward movement that typically creates space for new entrants. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding on

Verb

Here’s a closer look at the remaining meetings between division contenders.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
The remaining allocation has also drawn intense interest from the market.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of remaining

Verb

Tehran has about 20 million barrels of crude oil on tankers in Asia waiting to discharge to China, the main recipient of Iranian oil, that is a source of revenue, Smith said.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Law enforcement officers were instead waiting for him at the mobile home park, the report said.

— Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of waiting

Verb

Her team said they were touched by the idea and are open to continuing the conversation, according to Lee.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Aug. 2026
The two had spent a few days in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu to acclimate to the higher altitude of the Himalayas, before continuing north toward the Chinese border with a tour group.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of continuing

Verb

Connection, wellbeing, and growth are foundational at Patina, shaping experiences that leave lasting impressions which resonate well beyond your stay.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
In return, Imax gets a percentage of the box office over a long-term contract, typically lasting at least 10 years.

— Kamaron McNair Juhohn Lee, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026