KEEP (TO) Synonyms: 136 Similar and Opposite Words

keep (to) 1 of 2

verb

Definition of keep (to)

as in to stick (to or with)

to give steadfast support to always keeps to his political positions, even when they are unpopular

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keep to

2 of 2

phrase

as in obey

to act according to the commands of Let's keep to the original plan, shall we?

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for keep (to)

Verb

Alonso is leaning into Chelsea’s strength — the transitional attacking power of his front three — and working on protecting the weakness, giving up too much space for his team to defend.

— Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also defended the decision to increase bond purchases earlier last month, after investor Stanley Druckenmiller criticized the move.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of defend

Verb

Reese, Naz Hilman and Madina Okot were held to 28 points combined with Okot scoring 16 – mostly in the fourth quarter.

— Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
After scoring 14 runs to begin this four-game series, the Royals have been held to just five runs in their last 18 innings.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026

Definition of hold to

Verb

But even larger quantities went unseized as agents in Albuquerque stood by and watched as drug couriers entered hotels with backpacks believed to be carrying as many as 100,000 fentanyl pills.

— Joshua Goodman, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
After fleeing the castle grounds, the couple spotted fiery crosses burning in the distance, with Ellen promising to stand by Brian no matter what challenges the war brings.

— Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of stand by

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.

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keeps up (with)

keep (to)

keep to

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“Keep (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/keep%20%28to%29. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of keep (to)

verb

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