hold on to

VERB

squeeze

Synonyms

STRONGEST

clutch compress cram crush grip pack pinch press stuff wedge wring

STRONG

bear choke clasp clip contract crowd cuddle embrace enfold force hug jam jostle nip quash ram scrunch squash squish strangle throttle thrust

WEAK

hold tight

Antonyms

STRONGEST

let go release uncompress

STRONG

allow free loose push away shun

WEAK

expand

VERB

keep

Synonyms

STRONGEST

carry conduct control enjoy have manage place preserve put retain save store

STRONG

accumulate amass cache conserve deposit detain direct garner grasp grip heap own pile possess reserve season stack stock withhold

WEAK

care for deal in hold back put up trade in

Antonyms

STRONGEST

displace fail hurt let go lose remove squander want waste

STRONG

disperse dispossess dissipate divide neglect release scatter separate spend use up

WEAK

abandon consume give give up hand over ignore let happen

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At the same time, she believes Israel is unlikely to hold on to the castle for the long term due to the bitter past experience and the resources it would require.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

File this by certified mail and hold on to the receipt, Hofmann advised.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

In any industry, there’s always the fear of how long can I hold on to my relevance, and when am I going to be pushed out by the next generation?

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Covid restrictions meant only 20,000 were at Wembley to witness it but, as they head into League One five years on, Foxes fans will hold on to those fond cup-winning memories.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

All Ob and me wanted to do when we lost May was hold on to each other and wail in that trailer for days and days.

From "Missing May" by Cynthia Rylant

hold on to

Example Sentences

Related Words