HOLDING OUT Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

holding out

verb

present participle of hold out

as in surviving

to continue to operate or to meet one's needs we hoped our supply of firewood would hold out until power was restored luckily, the old outboard motor held out till we made it to shore

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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 out One of those holding out hope is kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart, who was abducted from her home at age 14 in 2002 and rescued nine months later. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 24 Aug. 2026 Forwark is holding out for hers — especially after watching her best friend, who’d been on dating apps since 2012, meet the love of her life on Hinge this year at 40. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 21 Aug. 2026 The Toronto Blue Jays have been holding out for a hero, just one bat to carry an offence desperate for star production. — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Rodri is getting more expensive for FC Barcelona City appears to be holding out for €80 million indeed. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026 Despite this, Miller has refused to drop out, holding out past the Monday deadline for Ohio Republicans to nominate a new candidate. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 11 Aug. 2026 As search teams go through the rubble looking for any signs of life, the community in Queens is holding its breath and holding out hope. — Jennifer Bisram, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 Cleaver is holding out hope that the Missouri Supreme Court will strike down the map in the interim. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026 Reddington’s opening statement addressed the slew of drugs his client was prescribed, holding out a list printed on posterboard for the jury to see. — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 3 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding out

Verb

The mayor also asked New Yorkers to keep the surviving victim in their thoughts and wish them a full recovery.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
These products are only available to active service members, veterans and surviving spouses.

— Dan Simms, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of surviving

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

Definition of lasting

Verb

Experts say consumers can stay safe from outbreaks by keeping up with food recalls, washing produce well, refrigerating produce properly, and monitoring symptoms linked to foodborne illnesses.

— Rebecca Schneid, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
In turn, keeping up with the new federal loan changes has become almost as challenging as making the payments for the borrowers who are struggling to afford their student loan debt.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of keeping up

Verb

The plan was announced during a rally outside the 185-unit Oglesby Towers on Wednesday morning, with some holding up copies of their rent bills.

— Megan De Mar, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Although the data don’t show how household income compares to the cost of living, SmartAsset spokesperson Toby Nelson said the numbers can show how people’s income is holding up against rising costs.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026