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Intermediate Dictionary
       

main·tain

maintain

 
 
pronunciation:
meIn teIn
features:
Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: verb
inflections: maintains, maintaining, maintained
definition 1: to continue; keep in existence.
The children of the neighborhood maintained their friendships for many years.
synonyms:
continue, sustain
antonyms:
alter, change, discontinue
similar words:
keep, preserve, prolong, retain, uphold
definition 2: to take care of; keep in good condition.
Many gardeners are needed to maintain the park.
synonyms:
keep, take care of
antonyms:
neglect
similar words:
manage, preserve, retain, sustain, tend
definition 3: to state in a firm and sure way.
He maintains that he did not break the window.
synonyms:
affirm, uphold
similar words:
allege, argue, attest, claim, declare, defend, justify, say
derivations: maintainable (adj.), maintainer (n.)
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