21 Synonyms for Keep | Another Word for Keep (With Examples)

You know, sometimes the word keep feels a bit boring because we use it all the time. But guess what? There are many fun and easy words you can use instead! Words like hold, save, or store make talking or writing way more interesting. Whether you want to say you keep something safe, keep it close, or keep it for later, these words can help you sound fresh. Let's check out 21 great synonyms for keep with simple examples you can use every day!

1. Hold

To hold means to have something in your hand or arms. It shows you are keeping it safe or close. For example, "She held the baby carefully." You can hold many things like a cup, a book, or even your feelings. Sometimes, we hold onto memories or ideas, which means we keep them in our mind. It is a very common word and easy to understand. Saying you hold something is a friendly way to show you are keeping it near or protecting it.

2. Retain

Retain means to keep something and not lose it. For example, "He retained the information after studying hard." You can retain things like memories, knowledge, or even water in a cup. This word is a little more formal but still easy to use. It shows you have something and continue to have it. If you want to say you keep something carefully for a long time, retain is a good word. It can also mean to hold a job or position.

3. Maintain

To maintain means to keep something in good shape or condition. For example, "They maintain their car by fixing it regularly." It is often used for things that need care like machines, buildings, or even friendships. When you maintain something, you work to keep it strong or working well. It shows action, like you don't just keep it, but you also take care of it. This word is useful when you want to say you keep something going smoothly.

4. Preserve

Preserve means to keep something safe from harm or change. For example, "We preserve old photos in a special box." It is used for things that are important and need to stay as they are, like food, history, or nature. To preserve means to protect and keep it in good condition. If you want to talk about saving something for the future, preserve is a great word. It sounds a little fancy but is easy to understand.

5. Save

To save means to keep something so you can use it later. For example, "I save money to buy a new bike." You can save things like money, time, or food. It also means to protect someone or something from danger. People use save a lot because it shows you are careful with what you have. It is a simple and friendly word that works in many situations, like saving a file on your computer or saving energy.

6. Store

Store means to keep something in a safe place until you need it. For example, "We store our winter clothes in the attic." It is used when you put things away to use later. You can store food in the fridge or toys in a box. This word helps explain keeping things organized and safe. It's easy to use and very common. If you want to say you keep something for future use, store is the perfect word.

7. Reserve

To reserve means to keep something for a special use or for someone. For example, "We reserved a table at the restaurant." You can reserve tickets, rooms, or seats. It shows planning ahead and making sure something is kept for you or others. This word is often used in formal or business talk but easy to understand. If you want to say you keep something saved for later or for someone special, reserve fits well.

8. Secure

Secure means to keep something safe or locked so no one can take it. For example, "She secured the door before leaving." You can secure money, places, or information. It shows protection and care to keep things from harm or loss. Secure is a strong word that shows safety is very important. It can also mean to get something firmly, like securing a job. If you want to say you keep something protected, secure is a great choice.

9. Protect

To protect means to keep someone or something safe from harm. For example, "The helmet protects your head." It is used when you want to stop damage or danger. Protect is a friendly and caring word. You protect friends, animals, or your belongings. It shows love and attention to keep things safe. This word is very common and easy to use. Saying you protect something means you want to keep it safe no matter what.

10. Guard

Guard means to watch over something or someone to keep them safe. For example, "The dog guards the house at night." It shows active keeping by looking after or stopping danger. You can guard secrets, people, or places. It sounds a little strong but easy to understand. Guard is often used for protection and safety. If you want to say you keep something safe by watching it carefully, guard is a great word.

11. Sustain

To sustain means to keep something going over time. For example, "Plants need water to sustain life." It is often used for keeping energy, health, or life strong. Sustain shows support and keeping things alive or working well. This word is useful when talking about nature, work, or health. If you want to say you keep something steady or continuing, sustain is perfect. It means more than just holding; it means helping something last.

12. Withhold

Withhold means to keep something back or not give it out. For example, "He withheld the information from the group." It can be used when you decide not to share or give something. Withhold shows control or holding something private. This word is a bit formal but easy to understand. If you want to say you keep something away from others, withhold is a good word. It often talks about feelings, facts, or money.

13. Cling to

Cling to means to hold something tightly and not let go. For example, "The child clung to her mother's hand." It shows strong keeping, often because you feel safe or need support. You can cling to objects or ideas, like memories or beliefs. This phrase is friendly and easy to imagine. If you want to say someone keeps something close and does not want to lose it, cling to works well. It shows care and strong connection.

14. Hang on to

To hang on to means to keep something and not let it slip away. For example, "He hung on to his old watch because it has memories." It is an informal way to say keep or hold. People use it a lot in daily talk. You can hang on to objects, feelings, or hopes. It shows effort and sometimes a little struggle. If you want to say you keep something safe with care, hang on to is a friendly phrase.

15. Carry

Carry means to hold and move something with you. For example, "She carries her bag everywhere." It shows keeping something close while walking or traveling. You can carry many things like books, bags, or feelings like sadness. This word is simple and very common. Saying you carry something means you keep it near and take responsibility for it. It can also mean to support or hold something up. Carry is an easy and useful word for many situations.

16. Lock up

To lock up means to keep something safe by closing and locking it. For example, "They locked up the house before going out." It is used to protect things from theft or damage. You can lock up money, keys, or doors. This phrase is clear and easy to understand. Saying you lock up something means you keep it very safe by using a key or lock. It is a strong way to say keep something secure.

17. Conserve

Conserve means to keep something safe and use it carefully to avoid waste. For example, "We must conserve water during the dry season." It is used for natural things like energy, water, or forests. Conserve shows respect and care for things so they last longer. This word is a little formal but easy to understand. If you want to say you keep something and use it wisely, conserve is a great word.

18. Seize

To seize means to take and keep something quickly and firmly. For example, "The police seized the stolen goods." It shows holding something with power or by force. Seize is used in serious or official situations. It means to grab and keep control of something. If you want to say you keep something by acting fast and strongly, seize is a good word. It's not for everyday use but great for special cases.

19. Stick to

Stick to means to keep following a plan, rule, or promise. For example, "She sticks to her diet every day." It shows strong keeping by not giving up or changing. You can stick to habits, ideas, or schedules. This phrase is easy and common in daily talk. Saying you stick to something means you keep it in your life without stopping. It shows commitment and steady keeping of something important.

20. Hold on

Hold on means to keep gripping something tightly. For example, "Hold on to the railing so you don't fall." It is often used for physical holding but can also mean keeping hopes or ideas. This phrase is friendly and common. Saying hold on means you keep your grip or keep going even when it's hard. It shows care and effort. You can use it in many situations when you want to say keep something close or keep trying.

21. Manage

To manage means to keep control of something and take care of it well. For example, "She manages her time carefully every day." It shows you keep something organized and working. You can manage money, work, or feelings. This word is easy and used a lot in daily life. Saying you manage something means you keep it under control and handle it well. It is a strong way to say keep with skill and care.

Final Thoughts

Using different words instead of just keep makes your talking and writing more fun and clear. Each synonym has a special meaning and use, helping you say exactly what you want. Try using words like hold, store, or protect to make your sentences more interesting. Knowing many ways to say keep can help you express yourself better in all kinds of situations. Keep practicing, and soon these words will be part of your daily language!