maintain

[1]	continue , keep , hold , preserve , persevere in , keep going , persist in , keep (up) , carry on , retain , perpetuate , prolong , sustain , uphold
[2]	look after , conserve , preserve , take care of , care for , keep up , preserve , (keep in) service , keep up , keep in repair , nurture , support
[3]	hold , sustain , keep , state , say , declare , claim , assert , allege , testify , contend , aver , avow , announce , proclaim , vouchsafe , profess , insist (on) , affirm
[4]	defend , assert , asseverate , stand by , keep , fight for , take up the cudgels for , make a case for , advocate , champion , take/make a stand for , plead for , back (up) , support , vindicate , justify , (Colloq) go to bat for
[5]	wield , exert
[6]	keep
[7]	keep
[8]	defend
[9]	uphold
[10]	observe , keep