1
as in to preserve
to keep in good condition
he repairs and maintains antique cars as a hobby
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to defend
to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections
part of debating is learning to maintain your position in the face of harsh challenges
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to keep
to pay the living expenses of
we simply cannot afford to maintain a horse
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to argue
to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration
she continued to maintain that a sewing machine would end up paying for itself since she could make her own clothes
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to insist
to state as a fact usually forcefully
he maintains that there is indeed hard evidence for extraterrestrial visitors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of maintain
As a result, he has been tasked more with linking play between the lines, maintaining structure, and driving Madrid up the pitch.
—
Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 22 May 2025
The narrative that recycling can meaningfully counteract the plastic crisis was constructed by the oil and gas industry to maintain public demand for plastic and delay regulation of its production.
—Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 22 May 2025
Playing in the first group, Wong birdied the second hole and made up for his lone mistake (a bogey on No. 3) with birdies at seven and 11 to maintain a slim lead.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
The last four shows have mostly maintained the same set list, including her beloved throwback hits.
—Caché McClay, USA Today, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for maintain
Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 22 May 2025
The narrative that recycling can meaningfully counteract the plastic crisis was constructed by the oil and gas industry to maintain public demand for plastic and delay regulation of its production.
—Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 22 May 2025
Playing in the first group, Wong birdied the second hole and made up for his lone mistake (a bogey on No. 3) with birdies at seven and 11 to maintain a slim lead.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
The last four shows have mostly maintained the same set list, including her beloved throwback hits.
—Caché McClay, USA Today, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for maintain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maintain
Verb
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Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.—
Kelly Brant,
Arkansas Online,
20 May 2025
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Nitrates are commonly added to meat to preserve it, but unlike many fruits and vegetables, meats lack helpful antioxidants.—
Ann Pietrangelo,
Verywell Health,
20 May 2025
Verb
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A day after the singer, 38, shocked fans by walking the 2025 American Music Awards red carpet with a blonde bob — a far departure from her trademark long locks — Pratt, 41, defended his wife against hate comments.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
28 May 2025
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After seeing his pleas for peace talks or a ceasefire go unanswered for months, Trump conceded that he’s defended Putin in discussions over what to do next about Russia’s new attacks in Ukraine.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Cruising Altitude: Air traffic control keeps planes moving.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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Ramirez ended up paying Vega $5,000 and his insurance company paid him another $20,000 — but Ramirez kept the business, assets and trademark.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
22 May 2025
Verb
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In a recent interview with The Bee, Weber criticized new efforts — including from members of her own party — to speed up California’s vote count, arguing elections officials already prioritize security and voter access.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
22 May 2025
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The news roughly coincided with the promotion of a book whose authors argue that his inner circle engaged in misdirection, if not obfuscation, about his mental acuity near the end of his term.—
Dhruv Khullar,
New Yorker,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Her father’s second-in-command, the handsome Jack Dean, insists family members play fair in obeying their father’s will.—
Lorraine Berry,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
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Texas Central insists it was not reliant on the funding and is continuing with its plans.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
Verb
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The adults can survive for up to five months without food, remaining still to conserve their energy.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 May 2025
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The Nicaraguan native and engineer bought the land with the intent to conserve the tropical forest and its wildlife.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2025
Verb
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This tactic is sometimes used to justify letting an employee go under the guise of poor performance.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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By confusing the idea that the people’s will must prevail with what the law actually says, these leaders justify intimidating judges and their sound legal rulings, a move that ultimately undermines democracy.—
Michael Gregory,
The Conversation,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Connecticut has a chance to show a different way – to support workers who exercise their right to organize and bargain collectively by stopping discriminatory treatment of striking workers who file for state unemployment insurance.—
Ed Hawthorne,
Hartford Courant,
25 May 2025
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Its cushy foam seat is supported by sinuous springs for optimal comfort, whether sitting, lounging, or sleeping.—
Alexandra Kay,
People.com,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Maintain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maintain. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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