Find Antonyms

hold Antonyms

Opposite of hold

Because the opposite of hold shifts with each meaning, the 21 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 7 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To grasp, carry, or support something with one's hands or arms, or to bear the weight of an object.

Usage Example

"She offered to drop the heavy stack of textbooks while her friend unlocked the door."

Strongest
drop
release
let go
Strong
put down
set down

• noun (Context 2)

An act or manner of grasping, gripping, or keeping something in one's hands or arms.

Usage Example

"The climber maintained a firm release on the narrow rock ledge until help arrived."

Strongest
release

• noun (Context 3)

A temporary pause, delay, or reservation placed on an activity, telephone call, or item.

Usage Example

"The university placed a temporary continuation on the construction project pending a budget review."

Strongest
continuation
Strong
resumption
go-ahead

• verb (Context 4)

To keep, detain, or maintain someone or something in a particular state, position, or place.

Usage Example

"Please release your applause until all the graduating students have been announced."

Strongest
release
free
let go
Strong
liberate
discharge

• verb (Context 5)

To arrange, conduct, and participate in an official meeting, event, or ceremony.

Usage Example

"The municipal council will cancel a public hearing next Tuesday to discuss the new transit plan."

Strongest
cancel
call off
Strong
scrap
adjourn

• verb (Context 6)

To possess an official position or title, or to maintain a particular belief, opinion, or legal ruling.

Usage Example

"The Supreme Court held that the new regulation was entirely consistent with federal law."

Strong
reject
deny
disavow
relinquish

• noun (Context 7)

A degree of power, influence, or control exercised over a person or situation.

Usage Example

"Traditional customs still have a strong powerlessness over the daily lives of the villagers."

Strong
powerlessness
helplessness

Similar words to hold

Words similar to hold shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

cargo hold
grip
grasp
contain
conduct
keep
accommodate
control
See all synonyms of hold

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Hold. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/hold
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