80+ Synonyms for “Maintain” with Examples | Another Word for “Maintain”

Our vocabulary is rich with alternatives that capture these nuances, and by exploring synonyms for ‘maintain,’ we enrich our language skills and enhance our written and spoken communication. Whether we’re penning an article, delivering a speech, or simply engaging in everyday conversation, the right word can make a world of difference. It allows us to assert our thoughts more effectively, showing an understanding that goes beyond the repetition of common terms.

Maintain Synonyms

Maintain Synonyms
Maintain Synonyms – Created by 7ESL

What Is “Maintain”?

The term “maintain” refers to the act of keeping something in a particular state or condition, ensuring continuity or stability over time. It often conveys a sense of perseverance or dedication in preserving the status quo or upholding certain standards or conditions.

List of Synonyms for Maintain

  • Sustain
  • Preserve
  • Uphold
  • Keep
  • Continue
  • Support
  • Conserve
  • Retain
  • Perpetuate
  • Hold
  • Keep up
  • Carry on
  • Nurture
  • Cultivate
  • Protect
  • Guard
  • Save
  • Manage
  • Look after
  • Care for
  • Keep going
  • Keep alive
  • Prolong
  • Cherish
  • Fend for
  • Keep in existence
  • Keep intact
  • Stabilize
  • Secure
  • Prop up
  • Bolster
  • Strengthen
  • Fortify
  • Endure
  • Persist with
  • Keep on
  • Extend
  • Harbor
  • Bear
  • Foster
  • Affirm
  • Assert
  • Declare
  • Profess
  • Insist
  • Stand by
  • Adhere to
  • Cling to
  • Stick with
  • Validate
  • Verify
  • Justify
  • Warrant
  • Back up
  • Stand behind
  • Embrace
  • Confirm
  • Continue with
  • Proceed with
  • Stick to
  • Hang on to
  • Hold on to
  • Keep to
  • Keep pace with
  • Keep in shape
  • Keep in order
  • Keep in repair
  • Keep safe
  • Preserve the status quo
  • Keep the faith
  • Keep the flame alive
  • Hold fast
  • Hold steady
  • Stand firm
  • Stand fast
  • Maintain a grip on
  • Maintain control over
  • Keep a hold on
  • Keep the course
  • Keep the line

Types of Synonyms for Maintain

Upholding Continuity

  • Continue
  • Preserve
  • Sustain
  • Perpetuate
  • Prolong

Providing Support

  • Support
  • Finance
  • Provide
  • Nurture
  • Protect

Exercising Control

  • Manage
  • Control
  • Oversee
  • Govern

Asserting Positions

  • Assert
  • Defend
  • Justify
  • Vindicate

Conservation Efforts

  • Conserve
  • Save
  • Guard
  • Shield

Common Synonyms for Maintain

Maintain vs. Preserve

Maintain implies keeping something in its current state or condition, often in the face of potential change. Preserve suggests a stronger emphasis on protecting something from decay or deterioration.

  • We maintain our cultural traditions through regular community gatherings.
  • By converting the area into a national park, we preserve the natural habitat for future generations.

Maintain vs. Sustain

Maintain often relates to upholding specific standards or conditions over time. Sustain indicates providing what is necessary for something to continue for an extended period.

  • The team worked hard to maintain their lead until the final whistle.
  • The garden requires a regular water supply to sustain its vibrant flowers and plants.

Maintain vs. Keep

Maintain conveys a level of constancy and attention to detail. Keep is more general and can refer to holding onto something, both literally and figuratively.

  • We must maintain our focus to achieve our project goals.
  • Please keep all receipts for reimbursement purposes.

Maintain vs. Retain

Maintain is often action-oriented, focusing on the continuous effort to keep something in a state or condition. Retain emphasizes continuing to have something, usually without the need for constant activity.

  • It’s crucial that we maintain clear communication channels within the team.
  • Even after years of expatriation, we’ve retained fluency in our native language.

Synonyms for Maintain in Different Contexts

For Consistency and Continuity

  • Preserve: We preserve family traditions by gathering every holiday season.
  • Sustain: To sustain high performance, we regularly review our work strategies.

In the Context of Asserting or Upholding

  • Affirm: We affirm our commitment to quality in every product we release.
  • Uphold: It’s vital that we uphold the standards of our profession.

When Referring to Physical or Mechanical Care

  • Service: My car is running smoothly now that I’ve taken it in for its annual service.
  • Overhaul: At times, to maintain efficiency, we must overhaul the entire system.

In Relation to Emotions or Restraint

  • Keep: Even when the news was disappointing, she managed to keep a positive attitude.
  • Control: In heated debates, we control our responses to maintain decorum.

For Providing Support and Stability

  • Support: The community came together to support the family after their loss.
  • Bolster: To bolster the team’s morale, the coach gave an inspiring speech before the big game.

Absolute and Near Synonyms of Maintain

Absolute Synonyms for Maintain

Word Meaning
Sustain To support, hold, or bear up from below; endure without giving way or yielding.
Preserve To keep alive or in existence; make lasting.
Uphold To support or defend, as against opposition or criticism.
Perpetuate To preserve from extinction or oblivion.
Continue To go on with or persist in a course of action.

Near Synonyms for Maintain

Word Meaning
Manage To take charge or care of, to conduct or direct.
Support To bear the weight of, especially from below.
Cultivate To promote or improve the growth by labor and attention.
Defend To protect from aggression or invasion.
Justify To show to be just, right, or in accord with reason or a fact.

Synonyms for Maintain with Examples | Infographic

Synonyms for Maintain
Synonyms for Maintain – Created by 7ESL

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some alternative words I can use on my resume for ‘maintain’?

On your resume, to demonstrate your ability to keep systems or processes running smoothly, words such as “sustain,” “uphold,” “preserve,” and “continue” are effective choices that convey diligence and responsibility.

How would you describe something that is ‘difficult to maintain’ using another phrase?

Something that is ‘difficult to maintain’ could be described as “challenging to sustain” or “labor-intensive to preserve.” These phrases encapsulate the considerable effort required to keep it in good condition.

Could you suggest a synonym that conveys the idea of ‘proper upkeep’?

For ‘proper upkeep,’ the term “meticulous maintenance” captures the essence of attention to detail and thorough care involved in sustaining something’s condition or operations.

What’s a more engaging word to use instead of ‘maintenance’?

Instead of ‘maintenance,’ consider using “upkeep” to keep your audience engaged. It provides a neat, crisp alternative that still communicates the necessary continuous care and attention.

Can you tell me a colloquial or slang term that means the same as ‘maintain’?

In a more informal context, you could use the word “keep up” to mirror the concept of ‘maintain.’ This colloquial expression is widely understood and conveys a casual tone.

What is a phrase that means ‘maintained well’?

A phrase that indicates something has been ‘maintained well’ is “in tip-top shape.” This indicates not just maintenance but also high-quality care, suggesting that something is in excellent condition.

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