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keep close

VERB

hold

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arrest carry detain enjoy have imprison keep maintain occupy own seize take

STRONG

adhere bind catch check cherish clasp cleave clench clinch cling clutch confine contain cradle embrace enclose fondle grip handle hug nourish palm possess press restrain retain secure squeeze stick trammel vise wield withhold wring

WEAK

bottle up cork up freeze to hang on keep out lock up not let go put a lock on stay put

Antonyms

STRONGEST

fail free give ignore lack let go liberate lose need neglect offer reject release want

STRONG

abandon aid allow assist exclude help loose loosen miss permit unfasten untie

WEAK

cancel cease desert disbelieve drop forsake halt quit stop

VERB

hug

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cling to

STRONG

cherish clasp clinch cradle cuddle embrace enfold envelop grasp lock love nestle nurse press receive retain seize squeeze welcome

WEAK

be near to bear hug enbosom fold in arms follow closely hold on to lie close stay near take in one's arms

Antonyms

STRONG

free give let go offer reject release turn away

WEAK

push away

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.

Investors will keep close tabs on any developments related to China’s rare-earth exports to the U.S.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Busy midlife can be the hardest time to keep close ties.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

This is a truth I keep close when I start planning my homemade holiday treats: flavor matters, yes—but so does intention.

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2025

The dogs are gone but the children keep close to their mother.

From BBC • May 5, 2024

Resting, like now, they keep close enough to touch.

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

keep close

Example Sentences

Related Words