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Antonyms for maintain


Grammar : Verb
Spell : meyn-teyn
Phonetic Transcription : meɪnˈteɪn



Definition of maintain

Origin :
  • mid-13c., "to practice habitually," from Anglo-French meintenir (Old French maintenir, 12c.) "keep (a wife), sustain; persevere in, practice continually," from Latin manu tenere "hold in the hand," from manu, ablative of manus "hand" (see manual) + tenere "to hold" (see tenet). Meaning "to carry on, keep up" is from mid-14c.; that of "to keep oneself, to support" is from late 14c. Sense of "to defend in speech" is from mid-14c. Related: Maintained; maintaining; maintains.
  • verb care for, keep up
  • verb assert, claim; argue for
Example sentences :
  • Prosperity and power—yes, they are important, and we must maintain them.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • An integer or two would be more useful to maintain the integrity of the House.
  • Extract from : « Punchinello, Vol. 1, No. 6, May 7, 1870 » by Various
  • Yet as a last resort to maintain the right, war is justifiable.
  • Extract from : « An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism » by Joseph Stump
  • In this situation we concluded to maintain our garrison, if possible.
  • Extract from : « The Adventures of Colonel Daniel Boone » by John Filson
  • I could not maintain the same calm in throwing off my hat and coat, and was vexed with myself for it.
  • Extract from : « In the Valley » by Harold Frederic
  • Your right was right as long as you could maintain it; so is ours.
  • Extract from : « Maid Marian » by Thomas Love Peacock
  • It is your part to pave the way for this deception; mine to maintain it.
  • Extract from : « Casanova's Homecoming » by Arthur Schnitzler
  • But how to maintain himself and his family until the wares were made and ready for sale?
  • Extract from : « Self-Help » by Samuel Smiles
  • Exactly; just as I maintain all that is honorable and disinterested.
  • Extract from : « A Comedy of Marriage and Other Tales » by Guy De Maupassant
  • But as a rule he managed to maintain a dignity that was almost solemnity.
  • Extract from : « White Fang » by Jack London

Synonyms for maintain

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019