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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Sometimes owners are holding out for a bigger payday.
—
Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
In the shutdown standoff, congressional Democrats are holding out for certain health care provisions, including an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
Democrats are holding out to extend the pandemic-era subsidies used by about 20 million Americans and more than 300,000 Arizonans.
—Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Either way, don’t stop holding out hope for more Greta Lee.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2025
Urban asked the concertgoer, holding out a microphone, as shown in a video shared by media agency Nashville XP.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
While the Ravens' 2025 season is looking bleak through the first six weeks, Harbaugh is still holding out hope that his team can make a late-season push into the playoffs.
—Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
His mom picked up, then turned to Leo, holding out the receiver.
—Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
Glassberg Sands is holding out hope that frontline employees will be safe from the cull, but as more human skills are targeted for automation, there could be drastic effects on the careers of recent grads.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
In the shutdown standoff, congressional Democrats are holding out for certain health care provisions, including an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
Democrats are holding out to extend the pandemic-era subsidies used by about 20 million Americans and more than 300,000 Arizonans.
—Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Either way, don’t stop holding out hope for more Greta Lee.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2025
Urban asked the concertgoer, holding out a microphone, as shown in a video shared by media agency Nashville XP.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
While the Ravens' 2025 season is looking bleak through the first six weeks, Harbaugh is still holding out hope that his team can make a late-season push into the playoffs.
—Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
His mom picked up, then turned to Leo, holding out the receiver.
—Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
Glassberg Sands is holding out hope that frontline employees will be safe from the cull, but as more human skills are targeted for automation, there could be drastic effects on the careers of recent grads.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding out
Verb
-
But much like Ole Miss surviving Washington State a couple of weeks ago, Alabama pulling it out at South Carolina seems like a turning point.—
Seth Emerson,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
-
His surviving family agreed to sell Kahmann the items on the condition his story was shared.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The film was one of Dean's three major films and serves as a lasting part of his legacy.—
Skyler Trepel,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Unfortunately, the scent did not have a lasting fragrant effect on the laundry after the wash cycle.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
People whose behavior and beliefs align with their company's prevailing culture may benefit from sharing more about themselves at work, Chamorro-Premuzic says.—
Sophie Caldwell,
CNBC,
24 Oct. 2025
-
As other potential suitors circle, the prevailing opinion is that WBD is PSKY’s to lose, especially given that a key financial backer of Paramount is Larry Ellison, the Oracle co-founder who is currently the second richest person on the planet.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Plus, keeping up with maintenance is the best way to preserve your investment.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Not to mention keeping up with the latest trends and having to always outperform your competition.—
Emily Zarevich,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Tigers also let up a fair share of explosive run plays despite the front seven holding up well.—
Chase Gemes,
Kansas City Star,
22 Oct. 2025
-
The tweenager could be seen posing with her mom in a selfie outside, holding up a peace sign as the two pursed their lips for the picture.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holding out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20out. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share