Another Word for Keep: 22 Synonyms with Examples
Keep means to hold on to something, to continue doing it, or to store or look after it. A more exact word shows which of these you mean.
As a verb: hold on to
- retain
- hold
- preserve
- save
- hang on to
- conserve
As a verb: continue
- continue
- carry on
- keep on
- persist
- go on
As a verb: store or look after
- store
- look after
- care for
- maintain
- tend
- house
As a verb: fulfil
- honour
- fulfil
- observe
- stick to
- abide by
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How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- retain
- Formal; keeps or continues to have.
- preserve
- Keeps something in its original state.
- store
- Keeps something in a place for later use.
- maintain
- Keeps in good condition.
- honour
- Keeps a promise or agreement.
- persist
- Keeps doing something despite difficulty.
Example sentences
- retain: The house retains many of its original features.
- preserve: Salt was used to preserve fish for the winter.
- store: We store the camping gear in the loft.
- maintain: The volunteers maintain the footpaths around the lake.
- honour: The company honoured its promise to refund customers.
- persist: He persisted with his questions until he got an answer.
Opposite of keep
- lose
- discard
- give away
- break
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “keep”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: proceed, prevent
noun: support, livelihood, living, sustenance, dungeon
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “keep”?
The most useful alternatives are “retain”, “hold”, “preserve”, “save”, “hang on to”. For the main sense (hold on to), “retain” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “retain” and “preserve”?
retain: Formal; keeps or continues to have. preserve: Keeps something in its original state.
What is the opposite of “keep”?
Common antonyms are “lose”, “discard”, “give away”, “break”.