verb
1.
to keep in a state of repair, efficiency, or validity
he followed a careful regimen to maintain his good health
Synonyms: keep up, preserve, save, sustain; compare save 3
Related Word: husband, manage; care (for), cultivate; guard, protect
Contrasted words: disregard, ignore, neglect, omit, overlook, slight
2.
to uphold as true, right, proper, or acceptable often in the face of challenge or indifference
I maintain that his actions were justified by the circumstances
Synonyms: argue, assert, claim, contend, defend, justify, vindicate, warrant
Related Word: affirm, aver, avouch, avow, declare, profess, protest; emphasize, insist, persist, stress; correct, rectify, right
Contrasted words: contradict, deny, gainsay, traverse; challenge, query, question
3.
Synonyms: support 3, provide (for)