maintain
/meɪnˈteɪn/
VERB
1. To support or defend someone or something
To provide support, assistance, or protection to a person, group, position, or cause.
1.1. Supporting and standing by someone
Providing help, encouragement, or practical assistance to someone, especially during a difficult situation or while they pursue a particular action.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- abandon
- desert
- forsake
- betray
Examples
- Her family maintained her throughout her recovery.
- The organization maintains local communities by providing financial and practical assistance.
Related Words
- assistance
- encouragement
- loyalty
- solidarity
- protection
1.2. Defending a position or cause
Actively supporting a particular belief, argument, decision, or cause against criticism or opposition.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The lawyer maintained her client's position throughout the trial.
- He continues to maintain the principles he has always believed in.
Related Words
- advocacy
- argument
- conviction
- endorsement
- allegiance
VERB
2. To preserve or keep something in a particular condition
To keep something in its existing state, condition, or level, or to ensure that it continues to function properly.
2.1. Preserving an existing state or condition
Keeping something unchanged or preventing it from deteriorating, declining, or being lost over time.
Synonyms
- preserve
- keep
- retain
- conserve
- sustain
- uphold
- perpetuate
Antonyms
Examples
- The company works hard to maintain its reputation for quality.
- It is important to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.
Related Words
- preservation
- continuity
- stability
- consistency
- conservation
2.2. Keeping something at a consistent level
Ensuring that a particular standard, rate, quality, or level remains steady and does not decrease or fluctuate significantly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The school aims to maintain high academic standards.
- The athlete trains regularly to maintain her fitness level.
Related Words
2.3. Keeping equipment or property in good working order
Taking care of, inspecting, repairing, and servicing equipment, buildings, or systems so they remain functional and in good condition.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The technicians maintain the machinery to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
- The city is responsible for maintaining its roads and public facilities.
Related Words
- maintenance
- inspection
- repair
- servicing
- upkeep
- equipment
2.4. Continuing an activity or operation
Keeping an activity, process, relationship, or operation going without allowing it to stop or come to an end.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The team maintained its efforts despite the difficult conditions.
- The two countries worked to maintain diplomatic relations.
Related Words
VERB
3. To assert or declare something to be true
To state or insist that something is true, correct, or valid, often despite disagreement or opposition.
3.1. Asserting a belief or statement
Expressing a claim or opinion with confidence and continuing to stand by it even when others question or challenge it.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The witness maintained that he had seen the suspect at the scene.
- She maintains that the original decision was justified.
Related Words
- assertion
- statement
- contention
- claim
- argument
- conviction
3.2. Insisting on the validity of an argument
Continuing to argue that a particular position, explanation, or interpretation is correct, especially in the face of disagreement.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The researchers maintain that their findings are supported by sufficient evidence.
- He maintained that the proposed changes would benefit the entire organization.