MAINTAIN Synonyms: 137 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'maintain' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of maintain are assert , defend , justify , and vindicate . While all these words mean "to uphold as true, right, just, or reasonable," maintain stresses firmness of conviction. // steadfastly maintained his innocence

Q: When would 'assert' be a good substitute for 'maintain'?

Although the words assert and maintain have much in common, assert suggests determination to make others accept one's claim. // asserted her rights

Q: When could 'defend' be used to replace 'maintain'?

In some situations, the words defend and maintain are roughly equivalent. However, defend implies maintaining in the face of attack or criticism. // defended his voting record

Q: When is it sensible to use 'justify' instead of 'maintain'?

The words justify and maintain can be used in similar contexts, but justify implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to precedent. // the action was used to justify military intervention

Q: In what contexts can 'vindicate' take the place of 'maintain'?

The meanings of vindicate and maintain largely overlap; however, vindicate implies successfully defending. // his success vindicated our faith in him

maintain

verb

mān-ˈtān

Definition of maintain next

as in to preserve

to keep in good condition he repairs and maintains antique cars as a hobby

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to defend

to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections part of debating is learning to maintain your position in the face of harsh challenges

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as in to keep

to pay the living expenses of we simply cannot afford to maintain a horse

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as in to argue

to state (something) as a reason in support of or against something under consideration she continued to maintain that a sewing machine would end up paying for itself since she could make her own clothes

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as in to insist

to state as a fact usually forcefully he maintains that there is indeed hard evidence for extraterrestrial visitors

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb maintain differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of maintain are assert, defend, justify, and vindicate. While all these words mean "to uphold as true, right, just, or reasonable," maintain stresses firmness of conviction.

steadfastly maintained his innocence

When would assert be a good substitute for maintain?

Although the words assert and maintain have much in common, assert suggests determination to make others accept one's claim.

asserted her rights

When could defend be used to replace maintain?

In some situations, the words defend and maintain are roughly equivalent. However, defend implies maintaining in the face of attack or criticism.

defended his voting record

When is it sensible to use justify instead of maintain?

The words justify and maintain can be used in similar contexts, but justify implies showing to be true, just, or valid by appeal to a standard or to precedent.

the action was used to justify military intervention

In what contexts can vindicate take the place of maintain?

The meanings of vindicate and maintain largely overlap; however, vindicate implies successfully defending.

his success vindicated our faith in him

Example Sentences

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 maintain Watermelon has a higher water content and is great for hydration, but bananas provide potassium to help maintain fluid balance. —

Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 1 July 2026 Giant Eagle also told KDKA-TV that Kroger plans to maintain the Giant Eagle myPerks loyalty program but will explore additional opportunities to expand. —

Patrick Damp, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Any waste materials were removed regularly to maintain hygienic conditions. —

Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026 And Bernhard insists that preserving the company’s entrepreneurial culture will prove just as important to its long-term success as maintaining its innovation pipeline. —

Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for maintain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for maintain

Verb

Behind Luka Doncic, the Lakers took care of Austin Reaves by agreeing to a four-year, $185-million contract that will be officially signed toward the end of the offseason to help the Lakers preserve maximum cap flexibility.

— Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
But the circular rose garden has been preserved and maintained, and buds begin to bloom in May, continuing through the summer.

— Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 June 2026

Definition of preserve

Verb

While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
This year, Argentina is defending its World Cup title, with Messi widely regarded as one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

— Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of defend

Verb

This version from Quince has a separate compartment for a laptop, as well as two separate sections to keep the remaining belongings organized.

— Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Beyond their cool-girl air, the shoes offer plenty of support and cushioning thanks to their plush insoles that keep your arches comfortable for hours of strutting.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 7 July 2026

Definition of keep

Verb

The defense had argued to delay the hearing, saying in court filings this spring the high volume of discovery meant Robinson’s attorneys would be unable to adequately prepare.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Proponents argue recordings would solve a long-standing crisis that leaves many proceedings with no verbatim record.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of argue

Verb

Rodríguez rejected those accusations, insisting authorities mobilized immediately.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Even with some international teams packing up to go home, Rodríguez late Thursday insisted that the government was not winding down rescue efforts.

— Regina Garcia Cano, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Definition of insist

Verb

In Cañon City, Colorado, authorities are aiming for a 20% to 30% reduction in water use while asking residents to voluntarily conserve outdoor water consumption.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026
This will be a physically gruelling knockout stage, the first World Cup with five knockout matches, and conserving energy for later matches makes sense.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of conserve

Verb

Wall Street is increasingly punishing Big Tech companies for spending on AI without profits to justify it.

— John Towfighi, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Thus far, Meta was only monetizing AI through its advertising, which is a great business but can be cyclical and was not enough to justify using all its cash flow.

— Jeff Marks, CNBC, 1 July 2026

Definition of justify

Verb

During a 2019-20 artist residency with New York City’s Department of Records and Information Services, Weist mined municipal archives for records revealing how city government had defined, supported and monitored past artists.

— Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Developed by L3Harris Technologies under the Combat Mission Systems Support framework, the system will be operated by the command's Space Delta 3 (DEL 3) – Space Electromagnetic Warfare, with acquisition and sustainment supported by System Delta 89.

— David Szondy July 06, New Atlas, 7 July 2026