Phrase guide

keep going

verb · 6 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To continue functioning; to maintain.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • The grandfather clock keeps going for over a week without winding.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To proceed; to make progress, physically or figuratively.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To see that (a person) is continually supplied with something, or that they can progress or carry on.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • I didn't think I could run any longer, but fear kept me going.
  • I'll put all this meat in my freezer, and it'll keep me going for many months.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

be a regular customer or client of

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • We patronize this store
  • Our sponsor kept our art studio going for as long as he could

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: patronize, patronise, patronage, support

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: foster, nurture

5

verb

Meaning 5

suffice for a period between two points

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • This money will keep us going for another year

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: tide over, bridge over

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: suffice, do, answer, serve

6

verb

Meaning 6

continue uninterrupted

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The disease will run on unchecked
  • The party kept going until 4 A.M.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: run on

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: continue, go on, proceed, go along, keep

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: continuer de fonctionner — To continue functioning.
  • French: continuer de faire — To make progress, physically or figuratively.