English dictionary



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English verb: carry on

1. carry on (social) direct the course of; manage or control


SamplesYou cannot conduct business like this.


Synonymsconduct, deal


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)care, deal, handle, manage


Narrower (hyponym)racketeer

2. carry on (stative) keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last


SamplesPreserve the peace in the family.
Continue the family tradition.
Carry on the old traditions.


Synonymsbear on, continue, preserve, uphold


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)hold, keep, maintain


Narrower (hyponym)hang in, hang on, hold on, keep up, mummify, perpetuate, persevere, persist, prolong, re-start, restart, resume, sustain


Verb groupcontinue, continue, go along, go forward, go on, keep, proceed, proceed


Antonymscease, discontinue, lay off, quit, stop, give up

3. carry on (communication) continue talking


SamplesI know it's hard,.
But there is no choice.
Carry on--pretend we are not in the room.


Synonymscontinue, go on, proceed


Pattern of useSomebody ----s.
Somebody ----s to INFINITIVE.
Somebody ----s VERB-ing


Broader (hypernym)speak, talk


Narrower (hyponym)jog, ramble, ramble on, segue

4. carry on (social) misbehave badly; act in a silly or improper way


SamplesThe children acted up when they were not bored.


Synonymsact up


Pattern of useSomebody ----s


Broader (hypernym)misbehave, misconduct, misdemean









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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