HOLE UP Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

hole up

verb

Definition of hole up

as in to hide

to remain out of sight we'll hole up in the cellar and wait out the hurricane

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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 hole up Wareheim — whose surrealist, absurdist work across film and television as an actor, writer, director and producer reshaped contemporary comedy — lately has been holed up at all hours at this sprawling indoor-outdoor compound called Serpentine. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026 That was a hint to Latin Mafia and Fred meeting up in Mexico City where they’re currently holed up in a studio with Benjy. — Lucas Villa, Rolling Stone, 29 July 2026 On game days, Jones would arrive at Bank of America Stadium in the morning and hole up in the weight room. — Joseph Person, New York Times, 25 July 2026 The reason he’s been holed up in his room and acting differently doesn’t have to do with a victimless traffic violation. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hole up

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hole up

Verb

Yes, that’s right, the world’s most famous nude sculpture was once outfitted with a belt of 28 copper leaves to hide its genitalia.

— Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
Avoid walking through tall grass, rocky areas or other places where snakes might hide, such as wildflower or bluebonnet patches.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of hide

Verb

But Ferrari cemented itself as F1’s second-quickest team early on, lurking for an opportunity to dethrone Mercedes that eventually emerged in Spain.

— Luke Smith, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Rhetoric that had lurked in conspiracy-minded corners of the internet was now coming from the federal government itself.

— Eric Boodman, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of lurk

Verb

The vast Ardabil Carpet (Maqsud Kashani, 1539–40), for instance, lies flat in an even vaster gallery, whereas a Qing dynasty chaopao, or formal court robe, hangs in a small, shallow chamber.

— Katy Barkan, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Do not lie or lean on concrete floors and walls during thunderstorms, as lightning can travel through metal wires or bars found in concrete walls and flooring.

— Julia Gomez, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of lie

Browse Nearby Words

holes up

hole up

holey

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“Hole up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hole%20up. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of hole up

verb

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