Synonyms for

Kept

Verb / kept / / kæpt / Another word for kept — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to have or retain possession of something

Synonyms & similar words

break goon continue save holdopen goalong holdon keep let sustain observe stayfresh lose keepon keepback holdback keepopen broken maintain hold prevent unbroken retain preserve discontinue held retained maintained preserved guarded saved stored stocked hoarded possessed owned had

Synonyms by register

Formal

retained preserved maintained held

Informal

held onto saved hoarded kept hold of

Literary

cherished guarded treasured

Antonyms

released freed abandoned discarded let go discharged

Common collocations

  • kept secret
  • kept quiet
  • kept safe
  • kept going
  • kept in mind
  • kept track of
  • kept up
  • kept apart

Word family

noun keeping
verb keep
adjective kept

Usage note

The past participle 'kept' is often used in passive constructions or as an adjective. It implies something was retained or not allowed to leave or change.

Example sentences

  1. I kept the book after I finished reading it.
  2. She kept the secret from her best friend.
  3. He kept the money in a safe.
  4. We kept the leftovers in the fridge.
  5. They kept the winning streak going for five games.

Quotes

  • I have kept thee in the palm of mine hand. - Isaiah 51:16
  • “I have kept my mouth shut for years. I’ve waited. I’ve let you do your worst, but now? Game on.” - Grey's Anatomy
  • “I have kept hidden in the instep arch of an old cedar at the waterside a curious wooden bird-carving. She was always there, waiting with her two ash poles (tall as herself) for a catch of herring to come in…” - Moby-Dick

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