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Showing results for "keeping"
  • present participle of keep.
Synonyms

keeping

American  
[kee-ping] / ˈki pɪŋ /

noun

  1. agreement or conformity in things or elements associated together.

    His actions are not in keeping with his words.

    Synonyms:
    harmony, congruity, consistency
  2. the act of a person or thing that keeps; observance, custody, or care.

    Synonyms:
    guardianship, charge, protection
  3. maintenance or keep.

  4. holding, reserving, or retaining.


keeping British  
/ ˈkiːpɪŋ /

noun

  1. conformity or harmony (esp in the phrases in or out of keeping )

  2. charge or care

    valuables in the keeping of a bank

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Synonym Usage

See custody.

Etymology

Origin of keeping

First recorded in 1250–1300, keeping is from the Middle English word keping. See keep, -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Pizarro declined analysts’ requests to say where the company would cut back, but said the utility would continue spending aimed at keeping its grid safe and reliable.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 12, 2026

If you’re paying 2% or 5%, there’s a stronger argument for keeping the money invested, particularly if you can tolerate at least some market volatility.

From MarketWatch Aug. 11, 2026

"We're very good at keeping secrets, as our name says. Everybody doesn't need to know everything."

From BBC Aug. 11, 2026

"One of the conditions for keeping the licence is to actively explore the area," Pram Gad pointed out, while noting that "the company is under pressure", as it is not active currently.

From Barron's Aug. 11, 2026

It’s hard to stay grumpy around Teddy, and I don’t have time to wallow about shin splints for the time being because keeping up with him takes every bit of my energy.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

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