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.

Portland struggled to hold on to the ball and turned it over nine times in the third quarter, allowing the Sparks to outscore them 23-12.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Among them is the disposition effect, a behavioral investing phenomenon that causes people to sell their winners too early and hold on to losers for too long.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

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

"It becomes something you cherish and hold on to," he said.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

There’s no stomach karate when we walk into the library; I just keep my head high, hold on to Mama’s hand, and smile.

From "Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero" by Kelly J. Baptist

hold on to

Example Sentences

Related Words