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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.

"This will take us a critical step closer to finding a room-temperature superconductor."

From Science Daily • Jul. 7, 2026

This week’s announcements will provide meaningful revenue as soon as next fiscal year, and bring the company one step closer to making smartphone chips only a third of its sales by 2029.

From Barron's • Jun. 28, 2026

A better-performing version of the 18A manufacturing process has entered risk production, the company said last week, meaning it is a step closer to high-volume manufacturing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

OpenAI just took a step closer to going public, potentially setting up 2026 to be a record-breaking year for IPOs — though the company isn’t guaranteeing it’ll conduct an offering anytime soon.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

He takes a step closer and holds his free hand out to me.

From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day

keep close

Example Sentences

Related Words