When a decision or ruling is upheld, it means that it has been affirmed or confirmed. Other synonyms that can be used for this phrase include upheld, validated, sustained, maintained, approved, supported, endorsed, backed, and ratified. The term upheld is often used in legal contexts to indicate that a ruling or verdict has been upheld and has remained the same. It can also be used more generally to indicate that a particular idea, concept, or value has been upheld or sustained. Regardless of the context, the term upheld implies that a particular action or decision has been deemed valid and worthy of support.