Uphold — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /(ˌ)əp-ˈhōld/ up·hold

Meaning & Definition of Uphold

Uphold (verb)

  1. to give support to
  2. to support against an opponent
  3. to keep elevated

Uphold (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to continue to declare to be true or proper despite opposition or objections

    "determined to uphold her views in the face of all challenges"

  2. to hold up or serve as a foundation for

    "an entablature upheld by a series of gracefully slender columns"

    related: steady, truss, underlie
  3. to move from a lower to a higher place or position

    "worshippers upheld their joined hands and sang the praises of the Lord"

    related: ascend, mount, rise, rear, upend
    opposite: drop, lower

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Uphold

The most common words with a similar meaning to Uphold:

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Uphold

Words with the opposite meaning of Uphold:

Near Antonyms of Uphold

Word Forms of Uphold

Inflections: upheld, upholding

Derived words: upholder (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Uphold

First known use: 13th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Uphold

Words & Phrases Containing Uphold

Frequently Asked Questions about Uphold

What does "Uphold" mean?

"Uphold" means to give support to. As a verb, it is defined as: to give support to. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Uphold"?

Other words for "Uphold" include defend, justify, maintain, support, bear, bolster, brace and buttress. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Uphold" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Uphold"?

There are 68 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Uphold". Common alternatives include defend, justify, maintain, support, bear, bolster, brace, buttress, carry and prop (up).

What is the opposite of "Uphold"?

Antonyms of "Uphold" include drop and lower. Near antonyms include abandon, abjure, forsake and recant.

How do you use "Uphold" in a sentence?

Examples of "Uphold" in a sentence: "determined to uphold her views in the face of all challenges"; "an entablature upheld by a series of gracefully slender columns"; "worshippers upheld their joined hands and sang the praises of the Lord".

Is "Uphold" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Uphold" is a verb.

Is "Uphold" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Uphold" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Uphold"?

"Uphold" is pronounced /(ˌ)əp-ˈhōld/ and divided into syllables as up·hold.