the act of maintaining.

the state of being maintained

the maintenance of friendly relations with England.

care or upkeep, as of machinery or property

With proper maintenance the car will last for many years.

means of upkeep, support, or subsistence; livelihood

to provide a comfortable maintenance.

alimony or child support.

Law . an officious meddling in a suit in which the meddler has no interest, by assisting either party with means to prosecute or defend it.

Pharmacology, Psychiatry . administered to sustain a desired physiological or mental condition

maintenance dose.

noun

desertion , forsaking , ignorance , neglect

noun

aliment , alimentation , alimony , allowance , bacon * , bread , bread and butter , care , carrying , conservation , continuance , continuation , food , keep , keeping , livelihood , living , nurture , preservation , prolongation , provision , repairs , resources , retainment , salt * , subsistence , supply , sustaining , sustainment , sustention , upkeep , wherewithal , support , sustenance , aid , board , sustentation