kept

Definition of keptnext
past tense of keep
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as in stored
to place somewhere for safekeeping or ready availability I keep extra toothbrushes for unexpected overnight guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in maintained
to pay the living expenses of agreed to keep both of their children in off-campus housing until they graduated and found jobs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of kept One of these is effectively kept hidden from scene to scene, especially once a sick old man falls into Soulan’s care. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 The decision Misty makes as the film enters its third act is partly precipitated by her bipolar kind-of brother, her lone touchstone to a troubled childhood that’s kept frustratingly vague. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026 Avedon wanted to be outside, where the energy of the street kept him excited and on edge. — Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 The Panther offense kept its foot on the gas, picking up a 35-yard TD run from Ingram, an 83-yard TD reception from wide receiver Damarion Mays and a 60-yard TD run from Smith. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2026 As the fourth quarter began, the Hoosiers were forced to punt again after the Nebraska defense kept them pinned deep inside their own territory. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026 The fact that people kept commenting on it—friends, colleagues, strangers—didn’t hurt. — John Vorwald, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026 Gabriel says that unlike her husband, Krasner kept reinventing her style. — Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 10 Oct. 2026 But the 41-13 win that kept Miami undefeated at 5-0 (3-0 in Atlantic Coast Conference play) might be his true breakout moment. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kept
Verb
  • On Monday, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador celebrated that announcement, which followed a victory in a lawsuit Idaho and 14 other states filed against the bureau.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Dieffenbach celebrated with the high school coach who first believed in his quarterback skills via Facetime after UCLA’s win.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Investment banks JPMorgan Chase and Raine Group were retained to assist with the process.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Ultimately, though, Cramer retained the Club's shares because of his trust in the veteran leadership team of CEO Satya Nadella and CFO Amy Hood.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Flanagan had the opening of the prom and the tragic promise most viewers know won’t be fulfilled, from the beginning.
    — Alex Zalben, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Russian drivers grit their teeth, endure the lines, and hope that government promises that the shortages will ease after the agricultural harvest season – a time of peak demand – are fulfilled.
    — Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In other words, Ray-Ban Meta glasses take photos and record video, which is stored on your phone.
    — Victoria Song, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Culver City voted last month to set rules around robotaxi fleet services that dictate where and when the vehicles can be charged, stored and cleaned.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Police maintained a heavy security presence at Saturday’s demonstration and moved swiftly to crack down on the unrest.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Roberts has maintained unwavering trust in Ohtani and believes his bat will come to life as the Dodgers' bid for a third consecutive World Series championship continues.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Kellermeyer is one of a number of companies referenced in lawsuits filed in recent months that accuse funds managed by some of Wall Street’s biggest names of inflating their marks, often to increase their own payouts.
    — Ellen DiMauro, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The hospitality brand holds a 30-year concession to run the lodge, which is part of the Tompkins Conservation project and managed by the National Forestry Agency.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • On the way back, the dopp kit took a slightly deeper drawstring shape, but contained the same amenities.
    — Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Many of these goods, which were purchased on online platforms, were fakes that contained dangerous levels of phthalates, lead, formaldehyde, nickel and other substances.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • An ectopic pregnancy should never have to rupture before a doctor feels protected enough to act.
    — Dara Kass, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Lemon argued his actions were protected under the First Amendment’s protections for the press and protesters.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Kept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kept. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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