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
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 maintain
One of the main reasons people lie—especially women—is to maintain cohesion in important relationships.
—
Angela Haupt, Time, 9 July 2025
One of Swarbrick’s final maneuvers as athletic director before stepping down was renewing the NBC contract through the 2029 season, believed to be lucrative enough to maintain Notre Dame’s independence.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 9 July 2025
The pilot struggled to maintain the plane on a heading and climb, a preliminary report said.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
While relationships — particularly those with elements of the fanbase — were fractured by the time of Messi’s departure in the summer of 2025, sources close to the French club — who will remain anonymous to protect relationships — maintain there are no regrets over his signing.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for maintain
Angela Haupt, Time, 9 July 2025
One of Swarbrick’s final maneuvers as athletic director before stepping down was renewing the NBC contract through the 2029 season, believed to be lucrative enough to maintain Notre Dame’s independence.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 9 July 2025
The pilot struggled to maintain the plane on a heading and climb, a preliminary report said.
—Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
While relationships — particularly those with elements of the fanbase — were fractured by the time of Messi’s departure in the summer of 2025, sources close to the French club — who will remain anonymous to protect relationships — maintain there are no regrets over his signing.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for maintain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maintain
Verb
-
Heritage assets — of which there are many — have been preserved and in some cases restored.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
-
Effective legislation can preserve local control and ensure rigorous design standards, while also making sure that housing is built where it’s needed most.—
Laura Friedman,
Oc Register,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
Meanwhile, four other women’s champions successfully defended their titles.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
-
And the company defended its driver-assistance systems.—
Joel Rose,
NPR,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Discover easy meal prep strategies, nutritious grab-and-go options, and time-saving hacks to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.—
Essence,
Essence,
10 July 2025
-
Fill your container with soil, spread the seeds, mist with water daily, and keep them in a sunny spot or under grow lights.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
Finally, many people have argued that Mittank may have been triggered or injured enough to suffer a psychotic break.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
9 July 2025
-
Prosecutors said the two men were arguing and Hensley fired four rounds from a 9mm handgun, striking Armstrong, who was pronounced dead at the scene.—
Quinlan Bentley,
The Enquirer,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
Now Bondi and Patel insist that there's nothing there.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
14 July 2025
-
Tesla insists its cars are safe as long as drivers remain attentive.—
Joel Rose,
NPR,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
There is probably no better example of a shortstop conserving his throwing arm than the one who left town Thursday night, Texas Rangers star Corey Seager.—
Mike Digiovanna,
Oc Register,
13 July 2025
-
The project is part of a decades-long effort to conserve Guimard’s work.—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
9 July 2025
Verb
-
What event could possibly justify closing a major highway for days on end?—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
12 July 2025
-
If the Tripadvisor business was the company’s only segment, this valuation could be justified.—
Kenneth Squire,
CNBC,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
After Amanda was born in 2001, the family of four moved again from New Jersey to Florida to support Maria’s growing tennis ambitions.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
12 July 2025
-
In addition, the iron, copper and zinc in quinoa work together to support energy production, the immune system and overall health for bones, skin and brain function.—
Bethany Thayer,
Freep.com,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Maintain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maintain. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share