uphold
verb (used with object)
to support or defend, as against opposition or criticism.
upholding
-
present participleof uphold.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
“We’re upholding election integrity,” said Ms. Nessel, a Democrat, “by investigating all claims of non-citizen voters, as rare as they are, and holding bad actors accountable.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026
A spokesperson for Greene King said it respected the tribunal's decision and that it was committed to upholding the highest standards of employee welfare.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
Belgium’s foreign minister, Maxime Prévot, who is a former soccer referee, said he had always been committed to upholding the rules and ensuring fair decisions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026
By upholding automatic birthright citizenship, the court prevented that outcome.
From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026
The Civil War was being fought in the hopes of keeping the Union together and upholding the Constitution—not for the abolition of what Southerners liked to call “the peculiar institution.”
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
