HOLES UP Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

holes up

verb

present tense third-person singular of hole up

as in hides

to remain out of sight we'll hole up in the cellar and wait out the hurricane

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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 holes up The floor-length dress featured a cross-stitched halterneck, a netted bodice and a floor-length lace skirt with holes up and down her legs. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 May 2026 Drilling into your home’s exterior is rarely a good idea, and patching any holes up is an absolute must. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 26 Feb. 2026 In this Canadian oddity, the fictional band Triton holes up in a farmhouse to record their new album. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025 Adelaida holes up in her mother’s apartment, unable to bring herself to pack up or even sort through her things, ignoring the banging and shouting from the street below. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025 Now on the run after escaping from prison, Manchester holes up in a local Toys R’ Us for several months. — Katherine Singh, Refinery29, 9 Sep. 2025 Vancouver has literally no defensive structure, little offensive pressure and obvious holes up and down the lineup. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026 Quick and decisive in the middle of the Pondo defense, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior has the power to shed blockers and plug holes up front, and the speed to track down ball-carriers on the edge. — Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 18 Aug. 2025 Canes defenders gave Notre Dame receivers too much cushion in coverage, the interior of the defense allowed too many holes up the middle and linebacker Mohamed Toure busted coverage on Eli Raridon’s 65-yard catch and run, setting up Carr’s 7-yard run for the tying touchdown. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for holes up

Verb

Tides of Temptation is set on the lush island of Nevis, where paradise hides a dangerous undercurrent… and beautiful young Constance (Wilkerson) is trapped inside of it.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 1 July 2026
Below the dash, the center console is simplified with a small panel of control buttons, a wireless phone charge pad, cup holders and an arm rest that hides a bit of storage space.

— Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of hides

Verb

Professionals must actively map where their risk truly lies, assessing counterparty exposure, income correlation, and cost repricing, rather than mistaking simplicity for safety.

— Henrik Totterman, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Beneath the layers of the Southwest Trail, a 65-mile project connecting Hot Springs to Little Rock, lies a section of train tracks and a 60-year-old legacy between a grandfather and grandson.

— Gabe White, Arkansas Online, 5 July 2026

Definition of lies

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“Holes up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holes%20up. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of holes up

verb

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