26 Other Ways to Say HOLD | Synonyms for Hold (Examples)

The word “hold” is used in many ways in English. You might want to grip, keep, carry, or embrace something. Other similar words include clutch, retain, or support. Each word can fit slightly different situations depending on what you want to express. In this article, we will explore 26 easy and common synonyms for hold, along with examples.

26 Different Ways to Say HOLD: Another Word for Hold

Grip

Grip means to hold something tightly with your hand. It is often used when you want to show strength or control. This word works well when holding objects like tools, handles, or ropes. Grip is more physical than emotional, showing a strong and steady grasp. You use grip to make sure something does not slip away or move unexpectedly. It is very common in everyday English.

• She gripped the steering wheel tightly while driving.
• He gripped the rope and climbed up.
• Grip the pencil firmly to write neatly.

Clutch

Clutch is used when you hold something tightly, often because you are nervous, scared, or excited. It shows a sudden or strong need to keep hold of something. Clutch can describe both physical holding and emotional situations. For example, you might clutch a bag in a crowded place. It conveys a sense of urgency or care when keeping control of something important.

• She clutched her purse when walking through the crowd.
• He clutched the letter tightly, afraid to open it.
• The baby clutched her toy happily.

Grab

Grab is when you quickly take hold of something, often suddenly or without much thought. It is a casual, informal word for holding. You use grab for both physical objects and opportunities. Grab can show action and speed, and it works in many everyday situations. It is one of the simplest words to replace hold when you mean to pick up or take something fast.

• I grabbed my coat before leaving.
• She grabbed a cookie from the plate.
• He grabbed the chance to speak first.

Seize

Seize means to take hold of something firmly or suddenly, sometimes with force. It is often used in formal or serious situations. You can seize opportunities, objects, or control. This word shows power and determination. Seize is stronger than hold and often suggests you are taking something intentionally and decisively. It works in both literal and figurative situations.

• The police seized the stolen items.
• She seized the moment to ask a question.
• He seized the chance to travel abroad.

Catch

Catch is used when you take hold of something that is moving or thrown. It shows action and timing. You can catch a ball, a train, or a glimpse of something. It is often used in sports or everyday activities. Catch works for both physical and sometimes abstract ideas, like catching attention or catching an idea quickly.

• He caught the ball in mid-air.
• I caught the last bus home.
• She caught sight of her friend in the crowd.

Cling

Cling is to hold tightly and stay attached, sometimes emotionally or physically. It is used when you do not want to let go. Cling often conveys care, fear, or need. It can describe children holding parents or people staying close in difficult times. Cling shows both protection and attachment in a gentle way.

• The child clung to his mother's hand.
• She clung to her favorite blanket.
• He clung to hope during hard times.

Carry

Carry is to hold something while moving from one place to another. It shows both support and transportation. Carry works for physical objects like bags, boxes, or babies. It can also be figurative, like carrying responsibilities or emotions. This word is very common and simple to use in daily conversation.

• I carried the groceries into the house.
• She carried her baby in her arms.
• He carried the heavy box upstairs.

Support

Support means to hold something so it does not fall or break. It is often used for both people and objects. You can support a friend emotionally or a shelf physically. This word emphasizes help and safety while holding. Support works in many contexts and shows care and strength at the same time.

• The pillars support the roof of the house.
• She supported her friend during tough times.
• He supported the painting on the wall.

Hug

Hug is to hold someone closely in your arms, usually to show love or comfort. It is more emotional than physical holding of objects. Hug works well in personal and friendly situations. It conveys warmth, care, and affection. People often hug to express feelings without words.

• She hugged her friend tightly after the long trip.
• He hugged his grandmother with love.
• They hugged each other at the airport.

Embrace

Embrace is similar to hug but can also mean accepting something fully. It can be physical or figurative. You embrace people, ideas, or situations. This word works when holding emotionally or accepting completely. Embrace is often used in writing or polite conversation to show warmth and acceptance.

• She embraced her friend warmly.
• He embraced the new changes at work.
• They embraced each other after years apart.

Keep

Keep means to hold something without giving it away or losing it. It is used for possessions, memories, or habits. Keep works in simple, everyday English. It shows protection, ownership, or ongoing care. Keep is versatile and very easy to use in casual conversation.

• She kept her favorite book safe.
• He kept the secret for years.
• I keep my keys on the table.

Retain

Retain is a formal word for keeping or holding something. It is often used in business, law, or studies. Retain shows maintaining possession, control, or information. You use retain when you want to emphasize not losing something important. It works for both tangible and intangible things.

• The company retained its best employees.
• She retained the information from the lecture.
• He retained control of the project.

Secure

Secure means to hold safely or protect. It often shows careful action to prevent loss or danger. Secure is used for objects, places, or even data. It emphasizes safety and reliability. You use secure when holding with caution or making sure something is safe.

• She secured the door before leaving.
• He secured the box with tape.
• The website secured user information.

Fasten

Fasten is to hold something in place so it does not move. It is often used for belts, straps, or buttons. Fasten shows attaching or fixing securely. This word is very practical and easy to use in daily life. It conveys safety and stability when holding objects.

• She fastened her seatbelt in the car.
• He fastened the picture on the wall.
• The children fastened their shoes before playing.

Attach

Attach means to hold something by connecting or joining. It is used when things are fixed together or linked. Attach works for emails, papers, or physical objects. This word shows a permanent or temporary holding depending on the situation.

• She attached the note to the fridge.
• He attached the photo to the report.
• They attached the trailer to the car.

Confine

Confine means to hold someone or something within limits. It is used for controlling space, movement, or freedom. Confine is more serious and often formal. It works when you want to show restrictions or keeping something safely in one place.

• The dog was confined to the yard.
• He was confined to his room due to illness.
• The teacher confined the experiment to the lab.

Restrain

Restrain is to hold back or control someone or something. It shows preventing movement or action. Restrain works for people, animals, or emotions. It is often formal but common in rules, safety, or emergency situations.

• The police restrained the suspect.
• She restrained her anger during the meeting.
• He restrained the dog from running into traffic.

Detain

Detain means to hold someone temporarily, usually officially or legally. It is often used by police or authorities. Detain shows control for a limited time. It is more formal than hold and works for situations involving rules or law.

• The officers detained the suspect for questioning.
• She was detained at the airport for security reasons.
• They detained the students for being late.

Possess

Possess means to have or hold something as yours. It is used for ownership or control. Possess works in legal, formal, or everyday situations. It shows that something belongs to you or is in your control.

• He possesses a rare coin collection.
• She possesses great talent in singing.
• They possess the rights to the land.

Control

Control means to hold power over something or someone. It shows influence, direction, or management. Control works for people, objects, or situations. It emphasizes authority and command rather than physical holding.

• She controlled the situation calmly.
• He controlled the car carefully on the road.
• They controlled the team effectively.

Maintain

Maintain is to hold in good condition or continue keeping. It works for objects, habits, or relationships. Maintain shows ongoing care or effort. It is often used when holding requires attention or regular action.

• He maintained his car well.
• She maintained her friendship over the years.
• They maintained a clean office space.

Tote

Tote means to carry something, usually with effort. It is casual and shows physical holding while moving. Tote is often used for bags, boxes, or personal items. It is friendly and simple to use in daily life.

• She toted her books to school.
• He toted the groceries home.
• They toted their luggage to the hotel.

Cradle

Cradle means to hold gently, often in your arms. It shows care and support, usually for babies or fragile items. Cradle works in both physical and emotional contexts. It emphasizes softness and protection.

• She cradled the baby carefully.
• He cradled the fragile vase.
• They cradled the injured bird.

Bear

Bear means to hold or carry, often under pressure or weight. It shows strength and endurance. Bear works for objects, emotions, or responsibility. It conveys holding through effort or difficulty.

• He bore the heavy bag up the stairs.
• She bore the responsibility well.
• They bore the sad news together.

Handle

Handle means to hold, touch, or manage something carefully. It works for objects or situations. Handle shows skill, care, or attention. It is practical and very common in daily conversation.

• He handled the fragile vase carefully.
• She handled the customer complaint politely.
• They handled the situation well.

Enclose

Enclose means to hold inside or surround. It is used for letters, objects, or spaces. Enclose works for physical or figurative holding. It shows something is completely held within limits.

• She enclosed the letter in an envelope.
• The garden was enclosed by a fence.
• He enclosed the documents in a folder.

Table of Synonyms for Hold

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide has helped you discover many new ways to say hold. Each synonym has its own special meaning and usage. From grip and clutch to cradle and tote, these words make your language richer. Using them in daily conversation or writing can make your English sound more natural and expressive. Remember, practice with examples will help you remember them easily.