Another Word for Maintain: 19 Synonyms with Examples
Maintain means to keep something going, to keep it in good condition, or to insist that something is true. Choose an alternative that matches which of these you mean.
As a verb: keep at the same level
As a verb: keep in good condition
- look after
- service
- repair
- care for
- keep up
As a verb: insist
- insist
- claim
- assert
- argue
- hold
- contend
As a verb: support financially
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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.
- sustain
- Keeps something going over a long period, often with effort.
- preserve
- Keeps something as it is, protecting it from change or decay.
- uphold
- Supports a rule, standard or decision.
- service
- Checks and repairs a machine or vehicle regularly.
- insist
- States firmly, especially when others disagree.
- contend
- Formal; argues that something is true.
Example sentences
- sustain: It was hard to sustain interest through a three-hour meeting.
- preserve: Volunteers work to preserve the old canal locks.
- uphold: The court upheld the original decision.
- service: The boiler is serviced every autumn.
- insist: He insisted that he had locked the door.
- contend: The authors contend that the policy helped larger firms most.
Opposite of maintain
- neglect
- abandon
- discontinue
- deny
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “maintain”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: conserve, asseverate
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “maintain”?
The most useful alternatives are “keep”, “sustain”, “preserve”, “retain”, “uphold”. For the main sense (keep at the same level), “keep” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “sustain” and “preserve”?
sustain: Keeps something going over a long period, often with effort. preserve: Keeps something as it is, protecting it from change or decay.
What is the opposite of “maintain”?
Common antonyms are “neglect”, “abandon”, “discontinue”, “deny”.