Synonyms for "hold"

11 kid-friendly synonyms for hold, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).

What does "hold" mean?

The word hold is a verb that means: to have something in your hand.

Example: "Hold my hand."

Grade K–2Easy synonyms for hold

Younger kids can use these in place of "hold":

Grade 3–5Stronger words for hold

For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:

Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for hold

Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:

Opposites of hold (antonyms)

Words that mean the opposite of hold:

See the full hold antonyms page →

FAQ — synonyms for hold

What is a good synonym for hold in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try grab. For older students, "clutch" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does hold have?
We list 11 grade-appropriate synonyms for hold across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is hold a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, hold is used as a verb.

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