holds 1 of 2

present tense third-person singular of hold
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as in contains
to have within the mysterious chest held an ancient book on magic spells and potions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in accommodates
to make or have room for the couple needed to rent a hall that would hold 300 people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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holds

2 of 2

noun

plural of hold
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as in clasps
the act or manner of holding make sure you have a firm hold on the chain saw before you turn it on

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 holds
Verb
Polls show Sherrill in a tight race in New Jersey, while Spanberger holds a lead in Virginia. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 26 Oct. 2025 Broncos defensive tackle Eyioma Uwazurike was given a year-long suspension in 2023 by the NFL for betting on games, and the team holds presentations on gambling every season, head coach Sean Payton said Friday. Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025 The Peronist opposition movement holds the largest minority in both houses, while Milei’s relatively new party has only 37 deputies and six senators. CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025 The Kubiak report Klay Kubiak, the 49ers’ offensive coordinator, is the brother of Klint Kubiak, who holds the same position with the Seattle Seahawks. Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025 As the fragile ceasefire in Gaza holds, a new idea to divide the Strip into two areas is gaining traction. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025 Minnesota still holds a 63-53-2 advantage in the series. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025 Hotel Skyler also holds the distinction of being the city’s first LEED Platinum hotel, representing its high standards for sustainable design, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025 With his latest contract extension, the forward, 37, now holds the record for the highest career earnings in NBA history, according to ESPN. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio’s very contemporary epic has shown good week-to-week holds, but the film has only earned $59 million in North America through 22 days of release. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 18 Oct. 2025 His innovations inspired the ragtag team behind Metolius, a Bend, Oregon climbing company that began experimenting with resin holds, hangboards, and modular tiles. Kelli María Korducki, HubSpot, 17 Oct. 2025 Since then, immigration officials have already issued more than 40 percent of all holds made over the entirety of last year. Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Oct. 2025 Morejón won 13 games, saved three games and recorded 20 holds as a first-time All-Star this year. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2025 This once supreme safety stock saw PTs lowered at many other Wall Street research firms, which maintained a mix of buys and holds. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025 At the end of the day, no one has any clue what James' future holds. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 The in-between is this lapsing memory, these waves that are coming in and out of what an eight-year-old holds and the collection of his life. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2025 The bowls have wavy, scalloped edges that give it an artisanal look as well as holds and cutouts for draining any lingering water. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds
Verb
  • Despite the animal's visible distress, the jaguar grips the support and allows itself to be guided to safety.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Continue reading … ON THE RUN – Fear grips major US city as accused teen killer escapes in jail error.
    , FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Free Press retains editorial control of this work.
    Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Despite its modern exterior design, the Buzz retains some signatures of yesteryear’s vehicles.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Over time, as battery technology improves, Goldstein also thinks eVTOLs could become bigger.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Alabi, who is Nigerian, thinks about fragrance as a form of memory and ancestry.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Project Cloud Nita Platform Sneakers The Nita has a platform that lifts you about two inches and contains a cushiony memory foam insole for your heels to sink into.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Angela has the nation’s largest indigenous seed bank, which contains hundreds, if not over a thousand, different seeds that have been donated by people.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Every company in the Fortune 500 Europe top 10 has roots from before the Second World War.
    Adam Gale, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Besides being one of the best ways to stay warm, puffer jackets are also unbelievably packable, much like this Eddie Bauer down jacket that has insulation for chilly days but can be folded or rolled to practically half its size.
    Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Comcast One of the world’s biggest telecommunications companies, the conglomerate owns NBCUniversal, which includes film studios such as Universal Pictures and DreamWorks, cable channels such as CNBC and Bravo, as well as Peacock, a streaming platform.
    Melanie Hicken, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Like the rest of the new 2025 backers, FirstTracks is coming into Two Oaks Ventures, which owns the MLS team and operates its academy, its MLS Next Pro franchise and Q2 Stadium.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • About the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Elizabeth accommodates 2,081 guests and the initial trip was sold out, Menard said.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The diffuser attachment is sold separately but worth the purchase for its versatile, medium prong length that accommodates short to long hair.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The photo shows Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on one knee as Swift grasps his face.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Valeria finally grasps the extent of Manu’s deception after finding Bea dead in her hotel room.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Holds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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