All words

uphold

Meaning

To provide backing for or maintain a principle, belief, or practice.

Examples by difficulty

Basic: Simple, everyday vocabulary — the easiest to read.

The small group gathered, faces grim. They knew the law was wrong, unfair. But their families depended on them. They would stand firm, keep their jobs, and try to uphold the rules, even when it felt like a betrayal of their own hearts.

The old lighthouse keeper, weathered by salt and wind, continued to uphold the promise he made to his community: to keep the light burning, a steady beacon of hope against the treacherous waves. His dedication served as proof that some commitments, even difficult ones, were meant to be maintained.

The old blacksmith, his hands calloused and strong, continued to hammer the stubborn iron. He felt it was his duty to uphold the tradition of crafting tools that would last, a belief passed down from his father. This was how things were meant to be done.

Sir Reginald, the bravest knight, would always uphold his promise to fetch extra cheese for the dragon's tea party. He believed it was the best way to keep the peace, even if it meant sacrificing his last cheddar.

Barry the badger, a renowned champion of sock-pair integrity, would always uphold the sacred law: no odd socks allowed in the burrow! He’d sniff out mismatched pairs with a fierce dedication, ensuring every foot felt the joy of a perfectly matched twin.

Normal: Standard, everyday language.

He promised to uphold his family's legacy of honesty, even when faced with temptation. This deep commitment meant he had to maintain his principles, no matter the difficulty. It was a heavy burden, but one he carried with unwavering resolve.

The community council had to uphold their promise to the residents. Despite facing pressure from developers, they continued to advocate for the preservation of the historic mural, a symbol of their shared identity. Their commitment to this belief was unwavering.

After the flood, the community council promised to uphold their agreement to rebuild the shared garden, even though rebuilding the dike felt impossible. Their commitment to that green space, a symbol of their shared hope, had to remain strong for everyone.

Brenda, a self-proclaimed "pickle enthusiast," would often loudly proclaim her commitment to pickle-only diets. Her friends, while humoring her, struggled to uphold her rather... pungent lifestyle choices, especially during potlucks.

My pet rock, Bartholomew, requires my constant support to uphold his unwavering commitment to the art of doing absolutely nothing. I provide him with prime sunbeam real estate and the occasional gentle dusting, ensuring he can maintain his profound philosophical stance on inertia without interruption from rogue dust bunnies or existential dread.

Advanced: Richer vocabulary that stretches an upper-level reader.

The jury was tasked to uphold justice, not personal biases. They needed to maintain the principles of fairness and law, even when the evidence was difficult. Their duty was clear: to support the truth, whatever the outcome.

The engineers meticulously checked the fusion containment field's readings. Their years of research and countless failed attempts had led to this moment. They had to uphold their commitment to sustainable energy, refusing to abandon the project despite immense pressure to divert funds.

The small commune struggled to maintain its shared vision, a quiet defiance against encroaching development. Each member understood their role was to uphold the principles of self-sufficiency and respect for the land, a commitment tested daily by external pressures and internal fatigue.

The knight, bless his polyester chainmail, tried his utmost to uphold the ancient tradition of napping during dragon battles. His snores, a resonant bassoon solo, were meant to symbolize bravery, or perhaps just extreme fatigue. The villagers, however, found it difficult to maintain their faith in his valiant slumber.

The Royal Order of Competitive Snail Racers vowed to uphold the sacred tradition of applying miniature velvet harnesses. They believed this practice was paramount to achieving peak aerodynamic efficiency, a principle they held dear, even if their esteemed judges often appeared more interested in their afternoon tea.

Challenging: Rare, high-register vocabulary for serious word lovers.

The activists pledged to uphold their core tenets, their resolve unyielding even when faced with relentless opposition. They would not falter in maintaining their principles, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their convictions.

The jury's solemn oath compelled them to uphold the established tenets of jurisprudence, even when faced with public opprobrium for their somber verdict. They felt the weight of their responsibility to maintain the integrity of the legal system, a commitment far exceeding personal solace.

The artisan, her brow furrowed with concentration, carefully adjusted the minuscule gears, determined to uphold the exacting standards of her craft. Generations of meticulous work depended on her precision; she would not falter.

The esteemed council, despite its members' prodigious appetites for ambrosia and their proclivity for nonsensical prognostication, managed to uphold the ancient decree that all jousting tournaments must commence with a ceremonial interpretive dance. This esoteric ritual, they earnestly believed, would imbue the knights with a peculiar blend of chivalry and avant-garde artistry, thus elevating the entire proceedings beyond mere pugilistic pandemonium.

The notoriously recalcitrant Gargoyle Guild, dedicated to the meticulous maintenance of existential angst, sought to uphold their venerable tradition of dramatic sighing, much to the chagrin of the perpetually cheerful sentient fungi who preferred a more effervescent camaraderie. Their unwavering commitment to melancholic exhalations was, for them, a sacred rite.

Difficulty

Basic — Common words most learners already know.

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