What does "maintain" mean?
To keep up; to preserve; to uphold (a state, condition etc.).
Maintain
/meɪnˈteɪn/ verb
verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To keep up; to preserve; to uphold (a state, condition etc.).
- Grammar: maintain is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: assert, keep, preserve, sustain.
- Useful contrasts: antiqued, changeant, civil progress policies.
- Usage evidence: The bureaucrats maintain solid ties with the gigantic corporations.
How to use "maintain"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "maintain" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "maintain" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "maintain" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "maintain" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "maintain" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "assert" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "maintain", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To keep up; to preserve; to uphold (a state, condition etc.).
"maintain contact"
- 2 stick to correctly or closely wordnet
- 3 To declare or affirm (a clause) to be true; to assert.
"Pullman traditionalists will no doubt maintain that the full-service-at-every-seat principle is popular with their clientele; [...]."
- 4 support against an opponent wordnet
- 5 To keep in good condition and working order.
"The admirable smoothness of the riding also reflected the greatest credit on those who, despite the difficulties caused by the shortage of men and materials, have succeeded in maintaining the track in such first-class order."
Show 9 more definitions
- 6 state categorically wordnet
- 7 To support (someone), to back up or assist (someone) in an action. obsolete, transitive
"And thenne he asked leue & wente oute of his heremytage for to mayntene his neuewe ageynst the myghty Erle and so hit happed that this man that lyeth here dede dyd so moche by his wysedome and hardynes that the Erle was take and thre of his lordes by force of this dede man."
- 8 state or assert wordnet
- 9 maintain by writing regular records wordnet
- 10 supply with necessities and support wordnet
- 11 maintain for use and service wordnet
- 12 have and exercise wordnet
- 13 keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction wordnet
- 14 cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity wordnet
Example
"The bureaucrats maintain solid ties with the gigantic corporations."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "maintain"?
Common synonyms include: assert, keep, preserve, sustain, abide, accommodate.
How do you use "maintain" in a sentence?
The bureaucrats maintain solid ties with the gigantic corporations.
How do you pronounce "maintain"?
Pronounced /meɪnˈteɪn/.
Etymology
From Middle English mayntenen, from Old French maintenir, from Late Latin manūteneō, manūtenēre (“I support”), from Latin manū (“with/in/by the hand”, ablative of manus) + tenēre (“to hold”).